Training Core

Summary We propose to create a comprehensive training program that encompasses research training in science related to kidney, benign urology, and benign hematology across the lifespan entitled the Philadelphia Program for Mentored Research Training in Kidney, Urologic, and Hematologic Diseases (PERFORM-KUH). Leveraging the

physical proximity and the history of interinstitutional and interdisciplinary training and collaboration, PERFORMKUH is uniquely positioned to build/enhance a biomedical research training program that integrates well-established training programs at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) and the Children’s Hospital of

Philadelphia (CHOP), and pre- and post-doctoral programs at Drexel, Jefferson, and Temple (with affiliated Fox Chase Cancer Center) Universities. The primary goal of this program is to develop skilled investigators trained to conduct impactful research in clinical, translational, or basic science in KUH, and capable of further developing

careers as independent researchers. PERFORM-KUH will replace three longstanding T32 training programs located at Penn/CHOP, in hematopoiesis, kidney disease, and renal epidemiology, add training in pediatric and adult urology research, and importantly, integrate with three partner institutions in Philadelphia. This program

assembles one hundred and six talented faculty trainers from five institutions, sixteen graduate programs, and thirty-eight departments, to create a premiere integrated research training program for KUH trainees in the Philadelphia region. PERFORM-KUH is designed to support eight predoctoral and twelve postdoctoral trainees

per year. This request is justified by the historical demand by high-quality applicants for training slots in our standing T32s, accommodated by the size and quality of the PERFORM-KUH faculty, large and outstanding trainee pools, strong institutional and departmental commitments, and collaborative training environment. The

PI/PD with focus area advisors and site PIs are well supported by the Steering Committee of the Administrative Core consisting of a Recruitment and Admissions committee, Mentorship Oversight subcommittee, and an External Evaluation Board. Research mentorship is provided by scientifically diverse trainers of all academic

ranks with research interests that encompass virtually all areas of KUH. The Training Program will leverage innovative PERFORM-KUH cores, including its Professional Development Core (PDC), and its Networking Core (NWC) that integrate pipeline programs to attract undergraduate, medical, and high school students from

underrepresented backgrounds. The DEI director is dedicated to minority recruitment and retention efforts in PERFORM-KUH research training. The academic elements of the Program include laboratory work, skills training, seminars, mentoring and career counseling, presentation, manuscript and grant writing, and peer

mentoring in collaboration with PDC and NWC. It will offer an integrated core curriculum that includes the completion of a formal master’s degree program for MD research fellows. Facilitated by a professional Evaluation Director, PERFORM-KUH will be evaluated using systematically collected and formally analyzed data.

Project Summary/Abstract