RESEARCH TRACT
The Nephrology program at UT Southwestern offers a research tract for those applicants who desire intensive training in clinical or basic science research. In fact, the division has been the recipient of an NIH training grant to fund those individuals who are interested in this type of training. This training grant was again renewed in 2007. The aim of this tract is to encourage and provide support for the fellow who desires to pursue an academic career in either basic or clinical research.
Following the successful completion of the clinical year (as determined by the program director based on satisfactory evaluations during the clinical year) the applicant enters the research program under a specific mentor. On a full time bases the fellow is assigned either a clinical or basic science research project. The fellow continues to attend the renal continuity clinic during the first research year so as to ensure there has been two continuous years of the renal continuity clinic. The performance of the fellow during this second year of attendance in the continuity clinic is evaluated directly by the program director (Dr. Biff Palmer) who attends in the renal clinic three weeks each month through out the year as well as other attending who rotate in the clinic. During the research years the fellow continues to attend all conferences to include basic science and clinical conferences. The fellow will present their research in conferences at various times of the year based and present at journal clubs.
The total number of years spent on a research project varies but fellows who are on the training grant typically spend a minimum of three years on their project after the clinical year is completed. If the fellow decides to enter clinical practice, a letter is sent by the mentor to the program director verifying the trainee has performed in a satisfactory manner during the research years. The program director will then verify the fellow is competent to enter practice without direct supervision.
