New York Consortium for Interdisciplinary Training in Kidney, Urological and Hematological Research (NYC Train KUHR)

Abstract The overall goal of the Professional Development Core is to develop and support activities and curricula designed to enhance trainee competitiveness in research. We will use the new U2C/TL1 award mechanism to transform the traditionally siloed training in kidney, urologic and hematologic research into a dynamic, interdisci- plinary KUH training program. We will create an educational environment that fosters the development of a new cadre of KUH investigators who will not only excel in their areas of expertise but will recognize the value of interdisciplinary collaboration and be equipped to build on mutual expertise to advance knowledge in KUH dis- eases. To achieve this goal, we will leverage the experience and excellence in research and training in Nephrol- ogy, Urology, and Hematology from the NYC Train KUHR member programs at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and the Renais- sance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University. Each NYC Train KUHR institution contributes unique and complementary strengths in research and training, including expertise in stem cell research, genomics, animal models, epidemiology, bioengineering and clinical trials, thereby breaking down traditional silos that exist be- tween the KUH disciplines and institutions. The program will utilize state of the art evidence-based practices in adult education, including innovative training in communication skills, independent development plans, KUH- specific mock study sections for trainee grants, monthly interdisciplinary works-in-progress and journal clubs, pilot grant funds, and yearly scientific symposium to encourage interdisciplinary research. In Specific Aim 1, we will create a robust professional development program for trainees funded by the NYC Train KUHR program. We will leverage existing institutional resources and create new professional devel- opment programs to develop trainees into future leaders in academic medicine. Oral communication skills will be cultivated through regularly scheduled journal clubs, work-in-progress presentations, Big Brother/ Big Sister program, and workshops sponsored by the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science. Written communica- tion skills will be enhanced through a grant writing course and subsequent mock study sections specific for pre- and postdoctoral trainees. Finally, an interdisciplinary mentorship team will be established for each trainee, stressing the importance of team science. In Specific Aim 2, we will create a robust professional development program for Preceptors. This program will include training before starting mentorship activities, continuous pro- fessional development as well as remediation for preceptors who may receive unsatisfactory evaluations from trainees. The robust and innovative education and support for trainees and preceptors provided by the Profes- sional Development Core will ensure that trainees supported by NYC Train KUHR will have the skills necessary to become independent investigators conducting KUH-related research.