Basic Scientist Pathway

Recognizing that our pool of fellows consists of individuals with disparate backgrounds in science and research, there are several options for training in basic research.

One option consists of being mentored in the laboratory of an established bench investigator and supplementing practical lab-based training with formal courses in cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, immunology, biochemistry, and other topics offered through the UCSF graduate programs [e.g., the Biomedical Sciences (BMS) Program or the Program in Biologic Sciences (PIBS)].

A second option, often pursued by endocrine fellows with previous research experience, is to have their research training experience take place in the laboratory of their chosen mentor, supplemented with ongoing seminars and conferences in that laboratory or department.

A third option would be to apply to the UCSF Molecular Medicine Training Program (MMTP) for a research fellowship. This competitive institution-wide program provides fellowship support for trainees to pursue one year of formal course-work and seminars in molecular and cell biology. This is combined with in-depth research under the guidance of a mentor in the MMTP. The MMTP program faculty is larger and broadly based. Many faculty serving as mentors for the DEM Program are also faculty in the MMTP. More information on this training option is available when you visit our program.

A fourth option is to pursue a PhD degree in the BMS Program at UCSF, an elite graduate program in integrative biology with an emphasis on the study of human disease. One can apply to this program before or after arriving on campus.

Clinical Investigator Pathway

Like the Basic Scientist Pathway, this program recognizes the need for an organized preparation for individual research training. The required curriculum for this pathway includes the ORACLE and ATCR (Advanced Training in Clinical Research) courses offered by the UCSF Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics. These courses cover basic clinical study design, biostatistics, epidemiology and medical ethics. These courses are described in detail in an accompanying brochure.

Clinical research training for a DEM fellow is typically jointly mentored by a faculty member from one of the Endocrinology or Metabolism Divisions of one of our three hospitals and a faculty member from the Epidemiology/Biostatistics Department at UCSF. The clinical research training experience is planned by the fellow in conjunction with his/her chosen preceptors and includes a variety of topics in hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular endocrinology, osteoporosis, growth hormone therapy, pituitary and adrenal disorders, wasting syndromes, and diabetes. Available research projects span the full range of clinical investigation, from studies of metabolism in the General Clinical Research Center to epidemiologic aspects of osteoporosis.

Plans for research training and selection of mentors are discussed with the Program Director and endocrine faculty in the first year of training. Regardless of the training option chosen, fellows will choose a mentor from approximately 75 distinguished research faculty at UCSF. Faculty are drawn from ten academic departments (Anatomy, Biochemistry, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Physiology, Pharmacology, Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Radiology and Surgery) and represent every discipline within endocrinology and its related basic and clinical sciences. The breadth of research opportunities available to trainees is illustrated by the attached research summaries. About one-half of trainees in either of these pathways typically choose a preceptor outside the Department of Medicine.

Research training in the DEM Program is primarily funded by a Training Grant from the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NIH.

UCSF Training in Clinical Research Program

There is an increasing need for highly qualified clinical investigators, defined as those participating in patient-oriented, translational, epidemiologic, behavioral, outcomes or health services research.

The overall mission of the UCSF Training in Clinical Research (TICR) Program is to increase the number and quality of clinical investigators. This is achieved by offering a broad array of educational opportunities in the methods of clinical research to meet the diverse needs of trainees, faculty and staff at UCSF.