# Filling a Void of Research (FAVOR) Training for Transplant Surgeons

> **NIH NIH T32** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · 2020 · $323,269

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
The FAVOR T32 titled “Filling a Void of Research Training for Transplant Surgeons” will prepare surgical
residents for translational research careers in abdominal and thoracic transplant surgery. This program will
train and inspire a unique cadre of surgeon-scientists to translate astute observations at the bedside, in the
operating room, and in the clinic into novel hypotheses that can be interrogated through immunology-focused
translational research. This program is uniquely focused, serving a growing need to train the next generation of
transplant surgeon-scientists that can contribute to the burgeoning field of translational and personalized
medicine. FAVOR is structured to reverse the dismal trend resulting in only 1.8% of ASTS trained surgical
fellows successfully competing for NIH-K series awards, despite 76% being motivated to spend more time in
research (Englesbe et al., AJT 2010:10, 191-193; Kirk & Feng, AJT 2011, 11; 191-193). The training includes a
base curriculum that includes a novel “T32 FAVOR Immersion Workshop,” as well as core courses in
Designing Clinical Research, Statistical Computing and Database Management in Clinical Research, Scientific
Writing, and Biostatistical Methods for Clinical Research. The FAVOR T32 also includes specialized training
electives which will be tailored to each trainee based on long term goals and interests. A small cadre of
surgical trainees from within UCSF, all training grant eligible and highly diverse (~40% URM, 50% female), will
be selected for FAVOR. We will also invite trainees from other academic institutions by competitive application
for a total of 3 training slots/ year, where trainees will dedicate two full-time years, without significant clinical
responsibilities, towards research education and training. One trainee slot/year would also be eligible to enroll
in a 1-2 year degree course in Clinical/Translational Medicine. Trainees will be prepared to apply their training
to deepen understanding of the immune system, as well as developing new, immune-based diagnostics,
prognostics, therapeutics and clinical approaches that are relevant to surgical procedures and outcomes. While
in the program they will also learn how to develop and draw upon clinical databases that integrate surgical
outcomes with data from pathology and immunology. FAVOR's NIH-funded faculty, with distinguished track
records in immunology and translational research, have been specially selected to inspire and guide trainees in
translational mentored research, with selection of 2 mentors/trainee from each of the clinical and scientific
mentor pools. Post-training career advice and guidance will facilitate placement into prestigious fellowships
and academic faculty positions for FAVOR trainees. The national impact of the FAVOR program will be
realized through the scientific maturation of a trainee group with comprehensive clinical expertise and
outstanding translational science, with the ability t...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9953973
- **Project number:** 5T32AI125222-05
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- **Principal Investigator:** PETER G STOCK
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $323,269
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2016-08-01 → 2021-08-23

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9953973

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9953973, Filling a Void of Research (FAVOR) Training for Transplant Surgeons (5T32AI125222-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-28 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9953973. Licensed CC0.

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