# UT Gastroenterology/Hepatology Research Training Program

> **NIH NIH T32** · UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · 2021 · $324,388

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY / ABSTRACT
The UT Gastroenterology / Hepatology research training program is aimed at producing the next generation of
scientific leaders focused on understanding digestive and liver diseases. The program involves a variety of
disciplines broadly categorized into two main areas: basic scientific research and patient-oriented clinical and
translational research. The training program accepts individuals with a clinical training background in Internal
Medicine (M.D. or M.D./Ph.D. candidates), as well as in Pediatrics, Surgery or Pathology. In addition, trainees
without clinical training (Ph.D. candidates) are also part of our program. One unique characteristic is the
inclusion of a significant proportion of minority trainees, primarily of Hispanic origin. Trainees benefit from a
vast array of potential mentors including 34 Faculty that participate directly in this program, as well as a very
rich milieu of scientific investigators across our campus. The scientific base of the training program includes
research expertise in multiple areas critically important to the field such as immunity, microbial effectors,
cancer biology, metabolism, nutrition and obesity, development and stem cell biology, and liver injury and
repair. The training curriculum is flexible, but has two basic components. First, all of our trainees participate in
a structured lecture series that highlights cutting edge research in fields of gastroenterology and hepatology,
and career development training offered through the postdoctoral affairs office, which includes a course in
responsible conduct of research as well as other pertinent training experience for this stage of career
development. A number of ad hoc training experiences are also devised to address gaps of individual
trainees. In addition to core educational activities, direct training in research takes place primarily under the
research mentor's guidance in a basic laboratory or as part of a clinical research group. Typically, our trainees
devote 2 to 3 years to their research training. The basic science training experience includes learning a variety
of techniques in biochemistry, physiology, molecular biology and genetics, as well as participation in scientific
meetings relevant to the particular discipline. On the other hand, clinical and translational research involves
formal training in study design, including ethics and biostatics, through formal training programs offered at our
University. Finally, for our trainees with a clinical background in Internal Medicine, this research training
program is integrated with our clinical fellowship in Gastroenterology and Hepatology, which includes a
minimum of 18 months of dedicated clinical rotations. Therefore, in most instances the training period will last
from 4 to 6 years for the five individuals for whom support is being requested. Altogether, this program is
designed to train individuals who will be effective investigators and academic leaders in the fi...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10155461
- **Project number:** 5T32DK007745-25
- **Recipient organization:** UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Ezra Burstein
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $324,388
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1997-01-01 → 2022-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10155461

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10155461, UT Gastroenterology/Hepatology Research Training Program (5T32DK007745-25). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10155461. Licensed CC0.

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