# Research Training in CVD Epidemiology and Prevention

> **NIH NIH T32** · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $392,985

## Abstract

The overall objective of the cardiovascular disease (CVD) epidemiology and prevention postdoctoral training
program at Northwestern University is to prepare academically-oriented MD and PhD trained investigators from
diverse scientific and racial/ethnic backgrounds for research-intensive careers in CVD epidemiology and
prevention. This ongoing multi-disciplinary research training program (now in Year 14) proposes to continue
supporting 4 postdoctoral trainees for a training period that is typically 2 years in duration. At the completion of
training, our alumni will be prepared for independent research careers in many sectors including academia,
government, public or private industry. We will achieve this outcome by providing training in epidemiology,
prevention, biostatistics, nutrition, behavioral medicine, vascular medicine, endocrinology, cardiovascular
imaging, health services research, dissemination and implementation, applied genetics, transcriptomics,
proteomics and metabolomics. Mentored research experiences are complemented by coursework chosen as
needed individually for each trainee. Growth in knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviors is guided by an
individual development plan (IDP) prepared by each trainee and reviewed regularly with the mentoring team
comprised of at least 2 highly experienced mentors. The centerpiece of the training program remains the
completion of mentored research projects that yield scientific products (e.g., publications) in any of the above
areas. The home for the training program remains a resource-rich environment that is home to multiple large-
scale CVD cohort studies that permit immediate scientific productivity. Three primary innovations for this
training period include: 1) an expansion of our program focus from traditional epidemiologic and biostatistical
cohort studies and designs to address contemporary challenges in cardiovascular health; 2) the
implementation of competency-based training curriculum; and, 3) an expanded approach to evaluating
program outcomes. Trainees are drawn from clinical backgrounds (primarily MD intending to pursue a
physician/scientist career in cardiovascular medicine and preventive cardiology) and research backgrounds
(PhD in biostatistics, epidemiology, nutrition, or other related fields). We intend to continue our successful
active approaches to recruiting and retaining underrepresented minority investigators. The Program Director,
Associate Director, and mentors are a highly experienced group that has worked together for many years
which will help to assure coordinated training. The Directors are supported by an administrative infrastructure
that provides input on the program vision and mission, selection of trainees and curriculum. Ongoing
evaluation allows for programmatic modifications in order to maximize the effectiveness of the program. Using
these approaches, we expect to continue our success in response to the NHLBI call to establish “a diverse
scientific workfor...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9851889
- **Project number:** 5T32HL069771-17
- **Recipient organization:** NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Mercedes Renee Carnethon
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $392,985
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2003-07-01 → 2024-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9851889

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9851889, Research Training in CVD Epidemiology and Prevention (5T32HL069771-17). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-21 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9851889. Licensed CC0.

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