Howard Clinical Scholar Development Program in Sickle Cell Disease

Purpose

Allow a physician or PhD researcher to develop the skills necessary for the discovery of new methods of treating sickle cell disease or preventing its complications. There is an urgent need to increase the number of dedicated junior MD or PhD investigators properly trained in research methods with the capability to apply their knowledge to the study and treatment of sickle cell disease. By encouraging a promising biomedical researcher to focus his/her efforts on the biochemical, genetic and genomic approaches to the complications and adverse outcomes of sickle cell disease, this individual will become a leader in the field which will lead to the overall improvement of the health of patients with sickle cell disease.

Program Detail

Residents, fellows and junior faculty members will be eligible for this individualized research training program that will be designed to help the Scholar become an independent physician and/or biomedical researcher focused on addressing sound treatment options for patients with sickle cell disease. The ultimate goal of the Scholar will involve the development and implementation of a clinical research project in sickle cell disease with an emphasis on epidemiological issues and health care disparities. All aspects of this research project will take place under the supervision of a mentor from the Center and will require the Scholar to attend a series of weekly meetings and seminars with key staff which include an epidemiologist, biostatistician and the director of the Center’s research laboratory. It is anticipated that, in most circumstances, the professional bond between the mentor and Scholar will last beyond this training period and eventually lead to a long-term collaborative interaction.

End of Year Goals and Outcomes