The Division of Nephrology offers research training experience for fellows. For fellows choosing the Clinical Pathway 6-7 months are devoted to research. Most fellows in this pathway choose clinical research projects (click here for active clinical projects). In August of their first year, fellows are presented potential faculty-sponsored research projects. By mid-September of their first year, fellows and faculty mentors are expected to have selected a research project - approved by the program director. At the end 2 yrs each fellow is expected to present the results of their research in a seminar and have completed a manuscript on their work.
In addition, postdoctoral research training is supported by an NIH-sponsored training grant (Kidney Disease and Inflammation) for fellows choosing the Clinical/Research Pathway or the straight Research Pathway. The program’s objective is to develop future academic investigators with research experience in kidney disease by providing trainees with extensive research experience in kidney disease and related disciplines. These investigators will require at a minimum three years of basic research training following an MD or PhD degree in order to compete successfully for extramural funding and ensure research success. The preceptor for the individual trainee will supervise the specific research project. Laboratory-based and patient-oriented research projects are available in which the trainee will work in consultation with the Department of Health Evaluation Sciences. State-of-the-art molecular, cellular and patient-oriented methods are available.
Trainees are encouraged to participate in one of two programs: 1) Multidisciplinary Training Program in Clinical Investigation (MTPCI), supported jointly by the office of the Dean of the School of Medicine and the General Clinical Research Center and 2) Clinical Investigation track of the Master's Degree Program in Heath Evaluation Sciences (HES), offered through the Department of HES.
Our program is designed specifically to provide highly motivated trainees with the resources to develop expertise in translational research from either the basic science or clinical research approach with a common goal of better understanding or treating kidney disease and allow us to engage in new scientific interactions among faculty who use different approaches and methodologies, in particular between basic science and clinical faculty members. We believe that these new interactions will allow investigators to synergize and expand research training opportunities for future trainees.Questions concerning research training can be directed to Mark D. Okusa, M.D. (mdo7y@virginia.edu).