Overview
The University of Washington has maintained an NIH-funded T32 Training Program in Adult and Pediatric Rheumatology since 1975. The goal of our program is to provide exceptional research training for physician-scientists and PhD investigators pursuing careers in academic rheumatology and related fields.
The program fosters a rigorous academic environment that encourages scientific inquiry, innovation, and career development. Trainees are paired with accomplished mentors who provide guidance in basic, translational, clinical, or epidemiologic research. The program is designed to support the transition to independent investigator status and prepare trainees to compete successfully for extramural research funding.
Fellows pursuing clinical research are encouraged to complete graduate-level coursework or degree programs through the University of Washington School of Public Health, including Master's or Certificate programs in Epidemiology, Clinical Research, or Public Health.
Most trainees complete approximately three years of dedicated research training, during which they are expected to develop a strong record of scholarly productivity, including peer-reviewed publications and submission of competitive extramural fellowship or career development grant applications.
A formal mentoring program that assists trainees with career and scientific guidance, and a well-designed core curriculum, provides all trainees with essential skills in grant writing and other assets required for long-term success. Two committees (Selection & Advisory and External Advisory) assist the joint Program Directors in programmatic governance, and to ensure the programmatic benchmarks and expectations are achieved.
Current rheumatology research mentors include Drs. Allenspach, Buckner, Jackson, Lood, Morgan, Mustelin, Najjar, Nelson, Rawlings, Shenoi, Singh, and Wysham. Additional faculty mentors and research opportunities are available across the University of Washington's extensive research community. A short biography of potential mentors may be found here.
Eligibility
The NIH-funded T32 training pathway is available to MDs, MD-PhDs, and PhDs pursuing careers as physician-scientists and independent investigators. Physician trainees typically enter the program after completing at least one year of clinical rheumatology fellowship training, while PhD trainees are eligible following completion of their doctoral and postdoctoral training requirements.
In accordance with National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Research Service Award (NRSA) requirements, individuals appointed to the T32 training grant must be U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals, or lawful permanent residents of the United States at the time of appointment.
Application and Selection Process
Requests for Applications (RFAs) are circulated annually to all fellows enrolled in the ACGME-accredited Adult and Pediatric Rheumatology Fellowship Programs and to approved faculty mentors affiliated with the Rheumatology T32 Training Program. Applications are submitted by January 31 of each year. Applications are then evaluated through a rigorous, competitive two-tier review process. Award notifications are generally issued by May 1, with funding beginning on July 1 of the corresponding academic year.