# Multi-Disciplinary Training Program in Translational Cardiovascular Research

> **NIH NIH T32** · VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $181,887

## Abstract

This program is designed to train post-doctoral physicians and scientists capable of developing new advances
in multi-disciplinary translational cardiovascular research directed toward the diagnosis, treatment and
prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Worldwide, CVD is the primary cause of morbidity and mortality
for those >30 years in age; unfortunately in the US after years of decline, rates of CVD are now increasing in
prevalence. This program will help to address the inadequate number of MD and PhD investigators (a
shortage recognized by the NHLBI task force review of research training and career development programs)
trained in multi-disciplinary CVD research activities that are needed to pursue solutions to reduce the burden of
CVD. Our 5-year proposal includes the training of 4 MD applicants for 2 years beginning at the PGY 5 level,
and 3 PhD applicants for 3 years beginning at the PGY 0 level. The program builds on research strengths at
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) involving basic and clinical translational CV science using cellular,
small animal, and single and multi-center population cohort and clinical trials. Key features of this proposed
T32 training program include: 1) pairing each trainee with an externally funded research mentor whose
research focuses on CVD; 2) outstanding multidisciplinary faculty who are experienced in training young
investigators and can quickly establish this T32 program for fostering successful progress in academic
medicine; 3) access to multiple phenotypic and biologic materials from major NIH-funded basic science,
prospective cohort, or clinical trials at VCU through the supporting program faculty; 4) courses provided by the
existing graduate school and medical faculty that supplement areas of CV research not previously experienced
by trainees; and 5) two institutional seminar programs that enhances interaction among individuals from
multiple disciplines. The proposed training program includes 15 faculty from 7 departments; these faculty
currently mentor 11 individuals who meet the program eligibility criteria. Each has NIH or VA extramural
funding; strong institutional support in the form of financial resources, facilities, and equipment; robust
integration with the VCU Center of Health Disparities for recruiting and training minority scientists; and support
for key professional development activities such as presentations and grant and manuscript writing. The
ultimate goal of this T32 training program is to attract and train a cohort of outstanding academic scientists
fluent in the latest developments of CV multidisciplinary translational research, who will then apply this
knowledge to design and lead future studies regarding important questions in cardiovascular health. The
proposed training program, with an emphasis on training both MD and PhD investigators, would
augment the supply of physicians and scientists capable of developing new advances in multi-
disciplinary translational card...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9855360
- **Project number:** 1T32HL149645-01
- **Recipient organization:** VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** William Gregory Hundley
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $181,887
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-03-01 → 2025-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9855360

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9855360, Multi-Disciplinary Training Program in Translational Cardiovascular Research (1T32HL149645-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9855360. Licensed CC0.

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