# MUSC GI and Hepatology Medical Student Training Program

> **NIH NIH R25** · MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA · 2024 · $108,000

## Abstract

Abstract – MUSC Gastroenterology (GI) and Hepatology Medical Student Training Program
 There is currently a crisis in physician led research in academic medicine. The 2021 NIDDK Strategic Plan
for Research specifically recommended that there be an effort to “Bolster workforce development and training
to increase and diversify the pipeline of clinical investigators.” The report further emphasized the critical
importance of “Addressing the workforce pipeline at earlier career stages”. We believe that Medical Students
are at the peak of their formative transition, and thus engaging them in GI and liver disease research is highly
responsive to the NIDDK call for action. Training scientists in biomedical research requires specific scientific
expertise, including a firm understanding of topic matter and the ability to generate novel and relevant research
hypotheses. Through our expertise and experience, we are in an ideal position to provide the training
necessary for Student's long term success.
 Further, current evidence suggests that mentorship is one of the most critical requirements for successful
engagement of trainees at all levels, particularly in formative years of training, such in medical school. Multiple
scientific organizations have called for quality mentoring opportunities for trainees. A needs assessment of
MUSC Medical Students has identified 2 major areas of need related to GI and liver disease research on the
Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) campus. First, access to skilled and successful researchers is
required. Secondly, a structure around training and development of projects, embedded in a matrix of quality
mentorship, is required. Therefore, the overall objective of the MUSC Gastroenterology (GI) and
Hepatology Medical Student (MUSC-GIHMS) Training Program is to enable Medical Students to participate
in high quality research during their medical school training. Our vision is to provide access to quality
research projects, and while doing so, engage, inspire, and excite a diverse group of medical Students in the
field of GI and hepatology.
 In an effort to be highly responsive to the NIDDK Funding Opportunity announcement, PAR-21-034, the
Specific Aims of this application propose to (1) provide both a focused research experience during the spring
semester of second year for MUSC Medical Students, (2) to provide advanced curricular course work in
digestive and liver disease research for Students, and (3) to continuously evaluate and improve the program so
that it is sustainable over time. The current proposal will provide Students with an ideal setting to participate in
GI and liver disease research and ultimately through recruitment of these committed and diverse Medical
Students, will expand the pool of researchers engaged in GI and liver disease research.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10772257
- **Project number:** 1R25DK137770-01
- **Recipient organization:** MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
- **Principal Investigator:** DON C. ROCKEY
- **Activity code:** R25 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $108,000
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-09-18 → 2029-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10772257

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10772257, MUSC GI and Hepatology Medical Student Training Program (1R25DK137770-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10772257. Licensed CC0.

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