The Philadelphia Program for Mentored Research Training in Kidney, Urologic, and Hematologic Diseases (PERFORM-KUH U2C/Tl1)

Project Summary/Abstract Expanding a talented research workforce focused on kidney, benign genitourinary tract, and benign hematological diseases, trained in critical scientific approach, in emerging concepts, and in advanced experimental approaches is fundamental to addressing the personal and socio-economic burdens associated

with these diseases. Toward this end, we will create a comprehensive training program that encompasses research training in science related to nephrology, urology, and hematology across the lifespan entitled the Philadelphia Program for Mentored Research Training in Kidney, Urologic, and Hematologic Diseases

(PERFORM-KUH). Centered in Philadelphia, PERFORM-KUH will: #1 Build/enhance a biomedical research training program that integrates remarkably successful, well-established, already collaborative training programs at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), and pre- and post-

doctoral programs at Temple, Jefferson, and Drexel Universities. #2 Prepare PhD, MD, or MD/PhD pre- and post-doctoral students from all PERFORM-KUH participating organizations for careers as successful investigators working in areas related to KUH in settings that include academia, research institutes, and industry.

We will (a) provide training in state-of-the-art experimental approaches in bench, translational or clinical research settings relevant to disease of the kidney, genitourinary tract, and hematology across the lifespan (limited to areas relevant to the KUH section of NIDDK); (b) offer a formally structured and carefully monitored mentoring

process; (c) create enrichment programs that foster professional development; and (d) enable peer-peer and peer-near peer networking between our trainees and recent graduates. #3 Stimulate interest in research relevant to kidney, urologic, or hematologic diseases with the goal of enriching the pipeline of scientists dedicated to

these areas. While doing so, we will recruit, include, and foster opportunity for those underrepresented in medicine. #4 Maintain programs for “mentoring the mentor” that provides training in mentoring with meaningful, continuous evaluation and feedback to mentors and that teaches mentoring skills to junior faculty. #5 Establish

and manage a well-organized and properly staffed administrative core that ensures governance, collaboration, and communication within the new training program, and provides for ongoing evaluation and continuous improvement. PERFORM-KUH will provide an exceptional environment for training in state-of-the-art scientific

principles and methodology, that encourages creativity, that guides professional development, and that provides mentoring and sponsorship.