Endocrine T32 Program Description

Each trainee is expected to complete at least one major research project during the duration of their time in the Endocrinology & Metabolism T32 training program. These projects may include basic, clinical, and/or public health/epidemiological research with an emphasis on cross-disciplinary translational research. Ideally, the project will provide the basis for subsequent NIH grant applications such as an F32 or K series career development award. Each trainee is also expected to publish a minimum of 2-3 peer-reviewed papers (with at least one as first author) within the training period.

Trainees are also required to participate in didactic courses and additional educational opportunities, such as seminars and journal clubs relevant to the field of endocrinology and their research project. These opportunities include, but are not limited to, programs offered by the Institute for Clinical Research and Education and/or Office of Academic Career Development. Interested trainees may also consider pursuing one of our Masters or Certificate Programs. Additional research resources are available through the University of Pittsburgh’s Clinical Translational Science Institute.

Career development is an integral part of the T32 training program. In addition to the above educational opportunities, trainees will also be expected to participate in a core curriculum designed to impart fundamental research “survival” skills such as project management, grant writing, and the responsible conduct of research.

Each trainee, in collaboration with their primary research mentor, will be expected to develop an Individualized Career Development Plan (ICDP) in which the trainee

• identifies and outlines both short- and long-term career goals;
• produces a detailed research proposal incorporating a clearly defined hypothesis, specific aims, and experimental plan; and
• elaborates on the didactic and educational plan to complement the trainee’s research focus.

The ICDP will be revised by the trainee and reviewed by the mentoring team and training committee on an annual basis.

A continuous process of program oversight, focusing on the individualized professional development of each trainee, will include formulation and annual review of the ICDP, assembly and regular meetings of the mentoring team, regular oral presentation of “Research in Progress,” and annual progress evaluations by the training committee.