Research Training

Research Training

The Division has an extremely strong basic and clinical research program. Each trainee is required during the first year to select a research mentor in an area of mutual interest and develop a clinical and/or basic research project under the guidance of the mentor. The trainee conducts research project under supervision of the faculty mentor during second and subsequent years of training. All fellows are expected to present abstracts at national scientific meetings. The trainees prepare or participate in preparation of a manuscript for submission to peer-reviewed journals when results of project merit publication.

Evaluation

The Program Director initially reviews merits and feasibility of the research proposal and provides feedback and recommendations. The trainee prepares a written description of their proposed research project and the Curriculum Committee screens the proposed project at the Mid-Point review in December of the first year. Research mentors submit electronic evaluations of EDM trainee’s performance on research project on an annual basis. Publication of results in peer-reviewed journals and presentation at national scientific meetings are used as important indices of high quality performance.

T32 Diabetes and Endocrinology Training Program

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) funds the postdoctoral training program in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism through the NRSA/T32 mechanism. Due to the importance of metabolic diseases across disciplines, this training program is interdisciplinary by nature and includes mentors from a variety of departments throughout the University of Pittsburgh. The training program features outstanding research opportunities with exceptional training faculty, a wide-variety of didactic and educational experiences, individualized career development plans, and continuous progress oversight to ensure on-going success.

Only US citizens and permanent residents are eligible for the T32 award, however alternate sources of funding can be arranged for international medical graduates strongly interested in extending their fellowship training for research.

Quality Improvement Project

Trainees are also required to participate in a Quality Improvement (QI) project that results in a significant contribution to understanding and/or improving clinical care/outcomes. This QI project can either overlap or be distinct from the trainee’s research.

Division of Endocrinology
and Metabolism

W1055 Starzl BST
200 Lothrop Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Academic/Research Offices
412-648-9770 | email

Patient/Clinical Inquiries
412-586-9700