Howard University Clinical Scholar in Sickle Cell Disease

The Center for Sickle Cell Disease has been chosen as the recipient of a grant to be used to establish the Howard Clinical Scholar Development Program in Sickle Cell Disease, a program designed to develop the clinical research skills of a young investigator in an effort to promote the understanding and treatment of sickle cell disease and related disorders. 

Purpose: Allow a physician or PhD researcher to develop the skills necessary for the discovery of new methods of treating sickle cell disease or preventing its complications. There is an urgent need to increase the number of dedicated junior MD or PhD investigators properly trained in research methods with the capability to apply their knowledge to the study and treatment of sickle cell disease. By encouraging a promising biomedical researcher to focus his/her efforts on the biochemical, genetic and genomic approaches to the complications and adverse outcomes of sickle cell disease, this individual will become a leader in the field which will lead to the overall improvement of the health of patients with sickle cell disease. 

Program Detail: Residents, fellows and junior faculty members will be eligible for this individualized research training program that will be designed to help the Scholar become an independent physician and/or biomedical researcher focused on addressing sound treatment options for patients with sickle cell disease. The ultimate goal of the Scholar will involve the development and implementation of a clinical research project in sickle cell disease with an emphasis on epidemiological issues and health care disparities. All aspects of this research project will take place under the supervision of a mentor from the Center and will require the Scholar to attend a series of weekly meetings and seminars with key staff which include an epidemiologist, biostatistician and the director of the Center’s research laboratory. It is anticipated that, in most circumstances, the professional bond between the mentor and Scholar will last beyond this training period and eventually lead to a long-term collaborative interaction. 

End of Year Goals and Outcomes:Scholar will aim to produce a review of the scientific literature relevant to the research that he/she is concentrating on which will be appropriate for publication as a review article.Scholar will be required to demonstrate laboratory acuity of a specific technique learned over the course of the year.Scholar will present results in one or more scientific venues that may include an annual research poster day on the Howard campus and/or at a subspecialty annual meeting which will require him/her to discuss and defend their plans in a public forum.Well devised plan for continuing the development of the career of the Scholar.Formal presentation discussing the progress/results. Committed Support:Salary support for first year with opportunities for future funding based upon research qualifications, success and potential.Data Manager and Biostatistical support.Start-up budget for supplies and equipment.University tuition and budget for books.Travel to National meeting for presentation of research. Scholars interested in this opportunity should provide the following items prior to application deadline of Friday, October 3, 2008:Updated Curriculum Vitae and bibliography.Two letters of recommendation.Copies of all graduate degrees.Statement of research interests, overview of potential projects and long-term research goals. 
For more information please visit the Howard University Center for Sickle Cell Disease website at http://www.sicklecell.howard.edu/clinicalscholar.htm