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. Rheumatology research mentors may include Dr. Allenspach, Dr. Buckner, Dr. Jackson, Dr. Lood, Dr. Morgan, Dr. Mustelin, Dr. Najjar, Dr. Nelson, Dr. Rawlings, Dr. Shenoi, and Dr. Singh. A full list of mentors can be found here.
Eligibility
The NIH-funded T32 training pathway is available to MDs, MD-PhDs, and PhDs pursuing careers as physician-scientists and independent investigators. Physician trainees typically enter the program after completing at least one year of clinical rheumatology fellowship training, while PhD trainees are eligible following completion of their doctoral and postdoctoral training requirements.
T32 trainees receive advanced research training in basic, translational, clinical, or epidemiologic research under the mentorship of established investigators. Fellows pursuing clinical research are encouraged to complete graduate-level coursework or degree programs, such as a Master's or Certificate Program in Epidemiology, Clinical Research, or Public Health through the University of Washington School of Public Health.
Most trainees complete approximately three years of dedicated research training, during which they are expected to develop a strong record of scholarly productivity, including peer-reviewed publications and submission of competitive extramural fellowship or career development grant applications.
In accordance with National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Research Service Award (NRSA) requirements, individuals appointed to the T32 training grant must be U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals, or lawful permanent residents of the United States at the time of appointment.
Application and Selection Process
Requests for Applications (RFAs) are circulated annually to all fellows enrolled in the ACGME-accredited Adult and Pediatric Rheumatology Fellowship Programs and to approved faculty mentors affiliated with the Rheumatology T32 Training Program. Applications are submitted by January 31 of each year. Applications are then evaluated through a rigorous, competitive two-tier review process. Award notifications are generally issued by May 1, with funding beginning on July 1 of the corresponding academic year.