Candidates holding either the Ph.D., M.D. or combined degrees may apply for a fellowship position that is not linked to the training program in clinical cardiology. Selection of a laboratory mentor at the time of application is required.
Research Training
The specific research interests of our faculty encompass a large variety of subjects, ranging from fundamental studies of gene regulation using model systems in lower eukaryotic organisms to clinical trials of new pharmacologic agents or interventional devices. Special note should be made of the extensive and close relationships between the Division of Cardiology and other research units within The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. The Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratories have been developed in association with the Department of Biochemistry. Research activities in cardiovascular diagnostics involve long-standing collaborative ties with the Department of Radiology, directed by Dr. Robert W. Parkey. Dr. Ron Peshock directs studies in clinical MRI and Dr. Craig Malloy leads a group with diverse interests in NMR spectroscopy at the Rogers Magnetic Resonance Center. Other important collaborations have developed through ties to Cardiovascular Surgery, led by Dr. W. Steves Ring; Molecular Genetics, led by Drs. Joseph Goldstein and Michael S. Brown; Physiology, directed by Dr. James T. Stull; Pharmacology, chaired by Dr. Alfred Gilman; and Molecular Biology, chaired by Dr. Eric Olson. All fellows in either the combined clinical/research or the dedicated research training programs will identify a mentor from within the cardiology faculty or from other university faculty, subject to the approval of the director. While all fellows on the Clinical Investigator and Physician Scientist tracks will devote at least one year to investigation, a serious commitment to a research career in almost any discipline will require additional training. Such additional training will be planned in concert by the trainee, research mentor, and divisional director and may extend past the fellowship to a junior faculty appointment.
Conferences and other educational opportunities
The development of skills necessary for academic careers is fostered not only by an individual relationship with a research mentor but by a variety of didactic exercises at the divisional level. A weekly Monday morning catheterization laboratory conference is held joinly with the cardiac surgeons. A Friday morning conference is devoted entirely to fellow education, and the topic rotates between a 12- week core EKG course, didactic lectures, journal club, and case presentations. A weekly Friday afternoon seminar series includes presentations by visiting and local faculty. Practice sessions for fellows presenting at national meetings provide the opportunity to hone skills of scientific communication in a collegial, constructive atmosphere. Short courses in biostatistics, experimental design, medical and scientific writing, grant strategies, and experimental methodology are offered on a periodic basis. In addition to these divisional activities, each clinical and basic research group regularly conducts journal clubs and group meetings and hosts visiting professors.
