Overview
We have held a NIH T32 training program in Adult/Pediatrics Rheumatology since 1975. The goal of our combined adult and pediatric training program is to provide MD and PhD postdoctoral fellows high quality training in rheumatic disease and to equip them to become independent academic researchers.
Our program provides the trainee with an optimal academic environment to promote a spirit of enquiry. We provide trainees with mentors who facilitate scientific investigation through state of the art methodology and serve as role models. In addition, we facilitate the transition into investigator mode so as to develop as a physician-scientist (clinical or basic) or PhD investigator capable of successfully competing for independent research support.
A formal mentoring program that assists trainees with career and scientific guidance, and a well-designed core curriculum, provides all trainees with essential skills in grant writing and other assets required for long-term success. Two committees (Selection & Advisory and External Advisory) assist the joint Program Directors in programmatic governance, and to ensure the programmatic benchmarks and expectations are achieved. The rheumatology research mentors include Drs. Allenspach, Andrews, Buckner, Elkon, Jackson, Lood, Morgan, Mustelin, Nelson, Rawlings, Shenoi, Singh, Wysham. A full list of mentors can be found here.
Eligibility
The fellowship program is open to MDs (or MD-PhDs) who have completed a clinical year in Rheumatology and PhDs who have completed their accredited training. MDs in the clinical pathway are encouraged to enter the Masters or Certificate Program in epidemiology or public health at the UW School of Public Health. Our typical trainee completes three years of basic or clinical science training during which time all trainees are expected to publish their work and submit a fellowship grant.
Application and Selection Process
Requests for applications (RFAs) are sent out to all ACGME Fellows within the adult and pediatric rheumatology training programs. In addition, the RFA is disseminated to all approved mentors under the Rheumatology T32 Program. Applications are scored under a competitive two-tiered review process. Award notices are sent by May 1st for July 1st start date annually.