Training Core
We are proud to provide two training opportunities in partnership with UAlbany to help shape the next generation of muscular dystrophy researchers and clinicians. Through a shared virtual boot camp and a new clinical fellowship, we are preparing future leaders of the muscular dystrophy workforce.
Training boot camp
This 10-week program provides undergraduates, graduate students and other early-career trainees with hands-on research experience, exposure to clinical practices and advanced bioinformatics training using existing myotonic dystrophy datasets. The boot camp also incorporates career development activities and opportunities to learn directly from patients and caregivers.
By offering a modest stipend and fostering a pathway for returning participants to serve as group leaders and mentors, the program builds on UAlbany’s successful training initiatives and the collaborative expertise of faculty from both universities to meet the growing demand for researchers skilled in computational approaches and patient-centered care.
For more information about the boot camp, please contact:
John Cleary, Ph.D.
Assistant Director of Research, RNA Institute
University at Albany
jdcleary@albany.edu
Muscular dystrophy clinical fellowship
The development of precision genetic therapies for neuromuscular disorders has accelerated the need for translational clinician scientists in the field. VCU’s new muscular dystrophy clinical fellowship training program will combine knowledge in genetic medicine, neuromuscular pathophysiology and clinical neuromuscular disease to provide trainees the necessary foundation for a career as neuromuscular translational scientists.
About the program
Throughout the training program, all fellows will achieve the following:
- Apply principles of human subject protection by completing IRB-certified training and demonstrating compliance in research activities
- Analyze and evaluate the utility, limitations and appropriate application of genomic testing and communicate results effectively during patient follow-ups
- Design and interpret at least one clinical trial of genetic therapeutics
- Develop and submit a competitive NIH K08, K23 or equivalent foundation grant proposal
- Diagnose inherited neuromuscular diseases using clinical, pathologic and molecular data and demonstrate competency to program faculty and external reviewers
- Manage the clinical care of individuals with genetic muscle disorders, applying evidence-based strategies for treatment and longitudinal follow-up
All trainees will be expected to pursue research projects, to be identified within the first four months of the program, in collaboration with program faculty. They will be expected to submit abstracts to at least one meeting per year.
With 12 blocks over the course of the program, fellows will spend about 75% of their time conducting research and the other 25% in the outpatient muscular dystrophy clinic. The curriculum also includes an away rotation for one block.
Dedicated time for didactic sessions will include the following:
- CIMR monthly seminar: A rotating didactic symposium by muscular dystrophy researchers to share results of research, discuss collaborations and network
- CIMR neuromuscular journal club: Led by CIMR faculty, focuses on articles of clinical and translational interest in the muscular dystrophies
- CIMR research meetings: Led by students and fellows, presents research topics within the center
For more information about the fellowship and how to apply, please contact:
Nicholas Johnson, M.D.
Director, CIMR
nicholas.johnson@vcuhealth.org
Sierra Robinson
Clinical Research Coordinator, CIMR
sierra.robinson@vcuhealth.org