Hematology Research Training Program

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The American Society of Hematology and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute have highlighted the need for the training of physicians and scientists in hematology. The Hematology Research Training Program at the University of Minnesota addresses this concern by providing: 1) inter- and multi-disciplinary research training in five major realms of hematology; 2) programs that enhance recruitment and retention of diverse trainees and promote a culture of equity and inclusion; 3) senior and junior faculty members of both genders as mentors; 4) an environment offering outstanding resources; 5) a fusion of research and clinical training for physician and PhD trainees; and 6) skill development for trainees to both survive and thrive in academic medicine. The overarching objective of the training program is to train physicians and scientists for careers in hematology- related research and academic medicine. Our program philosophy is to achieve trainee success by carefully balancing sufficient structure to ensure rigor in the training experience and programmatic flexibility to accommodate the different needs of trainees. Our Training Program provides the fundamental knowledge and skills enabling trainees to adapt to new paradigms of disease, employ new technologies, and embrace the highest ethical standards. This post-doctoral training program will allow six trainees a minimum of two years of research experience. Our Training Program boasts a long history of successfully recruiting outstanding, highly motivated individuals who work with exceptional mentors in achieving their career and research goals. Approximately 90% of our graduates from the past 15 years are engaged in research. Our faculty mentors are international and national leaders in hematology research, including sickle anemia, vascular biology, natural killer cell therapies, CAR T cell therapies, hematopoietic stem cell transplant, and gene therapies. In carrying on the tradition of the last 45 years, we are confident our mentors and research environment at the University of Minnesota will continue to cultivate future leaders in hematology.