Fellowship Training Grants

Pediatric Gastroenterology Research Training

Contact: Phillip I. Tarr, M.D., M.D.

The Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology has a multidisciplinary training program in Pediatric Gastroenterology research. The specific aim of the program is to train postdoctoral candidates in basic research in order to prepare them for independent academic careers in pediatric gastrointestinal and hepatic sciences. The program involves 2-3 years of laboratory-based, or, if appropriate, rigorous clinical investigation and emphasizes the application of modern cell and molecular biologic approaches to addressing fundamental issues in pediatric gastroenterology and development of gastrointestinal and hepatic function. Training originates from the Department of Pediatrics, which in the last ten years has attracted 80 new full time faculty members, most of whom have deep commitments to academic careers involving research. Many disciplines are represented in the training faculty, including Biochemistry, Cell Biology and Physiology, Molecular Biology and Pharmacology, Immunology, Molecular Microbiology, and Genetics. Members of the faculty have common interests, frequent interactions, a tradition of scholarly excellence in basic and clinical science, independently funded research careers, and a penchant for working beyond the narrow boundaries of their own disciplines/research areas/specialties. Ample space and facilities are available, and, by interdigitation with other training activities existing within the institution, the program avails itself of the rich educational activities including trainee functions like a thesis advisory committee in basic science graduate training programs. Trainees work side-by-side in a laboratory with other M.D., Ph.D., and M.D./Ph.D. predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees.