Clinical Research and Epidemiology in Diabetes and Endocrinology

Overview

Diabetes mellitus has reached epidemic proportions in the US and abroad. Other endocrinologic diseases, like hypothyroidism and osteoporosis are also extraordinarily common. Patient- and population-oriented researchers with expertise in these conditions are urgently required. With this need in mind, in 2002, we established a training program at Johns Hopkins devoted to clinical and epidemiologic research in diabetes and endocrinology and funded by the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). More than 20 years later, it remains the only one of its kind in the US. The training program appoints two pre-doctoral students and three post-doctoral fellows per year and leads them to the MHS or PhD in clinical epidemiology, clinical investigation, or related field. Thus far, we have successfully trained over 50 young scholars who have produced scores of peer-reviewed scientific papers and who hold research positions across the country.

Our approach to training recognizes that the major discovery opportunities of this era are most effectively harnessed by individuals who embrace the interfaces between disciplines. Consistent with this, our training program is based on a multi-dimensional matrix structure, which integrates our expertise in the investigation of diabetes and endocrine diseases, cross-cutting themes, and use of core resources, investigative methods, and analytical approaches to maximize opportunities for success amongst trainees.

Further, this framework allows us to actively draw on the collective expertise of our faculty. Using this model, trainees are given access to state-of-the-science methods and approaches supported by multi-layered individualized mentoring teams. We will teach trainees how to harness the power of synergistic investigative teams to conduct optimal translational science. The model assists with conceptualizing individual research projects, helping to identify potential synergies and to connect trainees with an appropriate mentoring team for their current project and for their longer-term career development.

Program Strengths

The strengths of this program include:

1. Strong existing diabetes and endocrine research collaborations between the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism; Division of Pediatric Endocrinology; the Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research (Welch Center); the School of Public Health; and the School of Nursing
2. Outstanding thesis-based degree programs in Epidemiology and Clinical Investigation at the School of Public Health
3. Outstanding clinical expertise in diabetes and endocrine disorders
4. Seasoned mentors experienced in grooming young scientists for academic careers, and
5. High-caliber trainees wanting to pursue clinical and epidemiologic research careers related to diabetes and other endocrinology disorders.

Program Features

Program Options

Our pre-doctoral fellows are eligible for tuition support for their PhD program.  Our post-doctoral trainees have the opportunity of pursuing a MHS or PhD in the Graduate Training Program in Clinical Investigation.
 

Faculty Mentors