Goals

This CTSA proposal links two important initiatives, --one with regard to the training of minority researchers and the other with regard to infrastructure. Both are necessary in order to achieve research success on health disparities across the bench-bedside-community continuum. In this endeavor, our signature focus areas are Cancer, HIV-AIDS, Women’s Health and the Brain and Behavior. 

While strengthening our clinical and translational research capacity, Meharry plans to also create a Ph.D. granting program in Translational and Clinical Investigation.  The advanced degree program will include training in molecular epidemiology, human investigation and outcomes, biostatistics, behavioral and community-based participatory research. 

The work will be done with the aid of 12 separate working groups-subcommittees with the charges noted below and a total of 36 faculty and administrators. This number does not include community representatives. Key faculty serve on multiple committees and sub-committees.

1. Define organizational structure/academic home(s) for CTSA
   
   
   • Assess collaboration across community networks and among institutions (sub-committee)
     
     
2. Identify assets and needs
   
   
3. Integrate existing and new courses/didactic elements for translational and clinical research training
   
   
4. Develop Ph.D. in Clinical and Translational Investigation
   
   
   • Curriculum development (sub-committee)
     
     
   • Program review and evaluation (sub-committee)
     
     
   • Mentor development (sub-committee)
     
     
   • Assess research training needs and implementation strategies for community physicians & research teams (sub-committee)
     
     
5. Link research & training programs with community efforts (outreach, education, research)
   
   
6. Evaluation of CTSA initiative
   
   
7. Dissemination plan of CTSA initiative