Research Training

Overview of Research Training Structure

UC San Diego is a world-renowned academic research center known for its exceptional medical center, extensive scientific resources and nationally-accomplished researchers. Our fellowship program offers state-of-the-art research training in a wide range of disciplines. Multiple opportunities are available to participate in basic laboratory activities, translational research, retrospective and prospective clinical investigations, etc. Furthermore, southern California has one of the most concentrated research communities in the nation with tons of collaboration in the scientific community between UCSD and other world-class research institutions just beyond our campus boundaries.

A research retreat in the fall of the first year provides background on the research process, including assistance with selecting a research mentor. Under the guidance of a research mentor, our fellows begin exploring a research direction during their four to six weeks of research time in the first two years of fellowship. The third year is designed to support the pursuit of each fellow's research interest with significant individualization to allow for personalized area of specialization. The third year of the training program is intended to provide an in-depth experience with clinical, translational, and/or basic science research and is protected to allow for a full year dedicated to the advancement and completion of a scholarly project of their choice. Trainees who desire to obtain substantial experience in research will need a particularly intense effort and may require an additional period of research training. Fellows have the option to partake in an additional year of research.

Research Support Structure at UCSD

Mentorship is one of the most important aspects of both clinical and research training. From the beginning of fellowship, we pair new fellows with experienced faculty mentors with a demonstrated record in mentoring trainees as well as other senior fellows to provide guidance from day one. These individuals, along with the fellowship and division leadership, will play an important role in career development and planning, including assisting with identifying a primary research mentor. We strongly believe that this is one of the keys to a successful career in academic medicine, and we are fully committed to the success of each of our fellows

Research Retreats

Twice per year, protected time is set aside for the fellows for half-day research retreats. These retreats are designed to provide an opportunity for fellows to obtain career development guidance as well as provide a platform for fellows to learn about the scholarly opportunities at the institution. Faculty members with ongoing research projects present their active research and discuss opportunities for fellows to join their team in order to facilitate a potential fellowship research project. The topics presented vary each year and are designed to be interactive sessions with everyone involved.

Scholarly Activity and Research Conferences

Our fellows are highly encouraged to present their work on the local, national or international stage. Attendance at various conferences throughout the year are strongly supported. CME funds are provided to each fellow to assist with the costs associated with travel and presentations.

T32 Training Grant

Our fellows have access to the National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded postdoctoral program. The title of our current NIH-funded T32 training grant is “Training in the Next Generation in Respiratory Science.” This grant supports fellows who are committed to developing a strong foundation as a clinician-investigator. Fellows typically join the T32 training grant in their third year of fellowship and remain on the grant for their additional fourth year.

4th Year Fellowship Opportunity

Fellows have the option to extend beyond three years of training with this fourth year providing an additional year of protected research time. This pathway is targeted to fellows interested in pursuing a career in academic medicine as a clinician-investigator.