Scholars-in-training for careers in women’s health
The National Institutes of Health has committed $2 million to Wayne State University to
train physician-scientists in women’s health research. Michael Diamond, MD, professor
of ob/gyn, who is serving as program director for the newly established Reproductive
Career Development Research Center, said, "It’s important for current ob/gyn
practitioners to continue doing research and to make new progress contributing to improved
wellness and healthy living for the next generation of women."
The program will support four physicians at a time, for up to a five-year period, until
the researchers "graduate" from the program (which could mean, for example,
obtaining independent extramural funding for their projects). When researchers graduate,
they will be replaced with new scholars, and WSU expects to provide training for up to
eight scholars during the designated period. Candidates are currently being screened
through a competitive application process.
Short-term objectives are: to provide mentoring to outstanding scholars; to provide
seed money for projects with growth potential; to teach competency in grant-writing and
application; and to conduct innovative research.
"The long-term objective is to develop a new generation of physician-scientists
who will sustain independent careers in basic, translational, or clinical research related
to women’s reproductive health," said Mark Evans, MD, acting chair of ob/gyn at
WSU/Detroit Medical Center. The department is proud to be one of only 12 sites chosen
across the country to participate in this program.
