Vascular Surgery Scientist Training Program

This application is a submission for the second renewal of the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Institutional Research Training Grant (T32) entitled “Vascular Surgery Scientist Training Program” (VSSTP). The training program was established in 2009 with the goal of increasing the number of trainees interested in pursuing a career dedicated to studying vascular disease—arterial, venous, and lymphatic disorders While cardiovascular research has historically been heavily focused on heart disease, peripheral vascular disease afflicting the arterial, venous, and lymphatic circulations is consistently under-diagnosed, under-treated, and under-studied. Thus, the genesis and evolution of the VSSTP has been to change this pattern and provide a focused mentorship experience dedicated to enhancing the study of vascular diseases. The grant is arranged around three important constructs: 1) vascular biology research, basic science investigations of the biology of the peripheral vascular system; 2) biomedical engineering investigations, research into developing new devices and mechanisms to treat vascular disease; and 3) clinical outcomes/health services research with respect to vascular surgery and delivery of care. Trainees may select a focused mentored research experience within one of these domains upon which an independent learning plan and contract are established mutually between the trainee and the primary mentor. There are 23 dedicated mentors from 16 departments or divisions available to trainees, providing a wide range of possible experiences to the trainees.