Research Track

The overriding goal of the research training program is to foster the development of trainees with a commitment to investigation, preparing them to become leaders in the discovery of new knowledge.

Research opportunities sponsored by the Renal Division include a broad array of basic, translational, and clinical science programs headed by NIH funded investigators. Division investigators have particular strengths in the basic science of epithelial transport, cystic kidney disease, renal development, and the immunologic basis of renal injury. Translational science is represented in the fields of nephrolithiasis, disorders of mineral metabolism, diabetes, and hypertension. Outcomes research programs in hypertension, diabetes, dialysis, health care disparities, depression, and nondiabetic glomerular disease are also active. The breadth of research opportunities is further multiplied by the robust collaborative network that extends across multiple disciplines at UT Southwestern. The extraordinary list of distinguished faculty at the School attests to the strength of this collaborative research environment.

Program Structure

The track is composed of one year of clinical nephrology training followed by one-to-three additional years of research training and investigation. One may pursue basic, translational, or clinical research under the guidance of a research mentor that is identified during the clinical training year. Funding mechanisms are available for research-committed individuals without permanent residency who are not eligible for federal training grants.

A robust infrastructure is in place to support the training program including the Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Program. Renal Research Conferences and Work-In-Progress meetings are held at regular intervals. Most pursuing either translational or clinical research will also enroll in the Masters of Clinical Science. In this curriculum, trainees have an opportunity to learn principles of clinical epidemiology and trial design while earning a Master’s Degree.

Previous Research Track Fellows