Training Grant in Academic Gastroenterology

This renewal T32 application seeks to extend funding to a thriving research training program in the NIDDK mission areas of adult and pediatric gastroenterology and Hepatology at the Stanford University. The main goal of the Training Program in Gastroenterology is to recruit the most talented young physician-scientists in basic, translational, clinical and population-based research and train them to be future leaders in academic gastroenterology. The Training Program has a well-functioning governing structure consisting of a highly motivated Program Director with a very strong track record of research training and NIH funding, and Oversight, Selection, Mentorship and Evaluation Committees. Additional support is obtained from an Administrative Subcommittee and an Internal and External Advisory Committees. The Program includes faculty in the adult and pediatric GI Divisions and exceptional scientists at Stanford who have strong track record of mentoring trainees in GI. The mentors cover a wide range of expertise providing a comprehensive and interactive training including (1) basic biology of enteric and hepatic pathogens and the development of novel therapeutic strategies; (2) host-microbiome interactions; (3) mucosal immunology; (4) liver pathophysiology; (5) cancer genomics and biology; (6) bioengineering and medical device development; (7) population science and epidemiology; and (8) health services and clinical outcomes research. For trainees in the latter categories, Master’s degree program in epidemiology, health policy/services research or biomedical informatics are offered and financially supported. The Training Program is structured to optimize its operations in (1) selecting the best candidates, including women and underrepresented minorities, (2) facilitating mentors to create the most productive research training experience, (3) monitoring trainees’ progress and providing necessary support, and feedback, and (4) critically evaluating the Program for continuous improvement. The program is enriched by Stanford’s strong academic environment and commitment to train physician- scientist leaders of the future. This is exemplified by resources ranging from infrastructure, personnel, and financial support from the adult and pediatric GI Divisions to a diverse array of institutional programs promoting research education. Thanks to these, our Program has excelled and majority of our graduates from the last cycle are pursuing an investigative career, in academic institutions. We propose to continue the strong tradition of physician-scientist training, adherence to all ACGME recommended practices within fellowship training, and establish a more enhanced focus on diversity, inclusion and wellness of our trainees and faculty, and seek to enhance it to best prepare our trainees for the future of digestive medicine.