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The University of Pittsburgh CVD Epidemiology Training Program addresses the critical need to promote epidemiological research of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The primary goal of our NHLBI-funded T32 Program is to train individuals in CVD epidemiology, based on pathophysiological understanding and experiential learning, who are skilled and inspired to improve on existing and to develop new prevention strategies.

University of Pittsburgh CVD Epidemiology Training Program

The University of Pittsburgh CVD Epidemiology Training Program addresses the critical need to promote epidemiological research of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The primary goal of our NHLBI-funded T32 Program is to train individuals in CVD epidemiology, based on pathophysiological understanding and experiential learning, who are skilled and inspired to improve on existing and to develop new prevention strategies.

The CVD Epidemiology Training Program’s philosophy is to provide a core foundation of didactic training in Cardiovascular Epidemiology with strong methodological and quantitative skills, customized to the experience and background of each trainee.

The Training Program is organized around three research cores: 1) subclinical atherosclerosis, 2) biostatistics/epidemiological methods and 3) cardiology grounded in six areas of strength ((i) vascular aging, (ii) women’s health, (iii) high risk & international populations, (iv) nutrition & environment, (v) physical activity and (vi) psychosocial factors. To address novel opportunities in epidemiological research, our Program incorporates experiences for trainees in using Big Data, electronic health record, omics and mobile health for which we have rich faculty expertise.

Under the leadership of Dr. Akira Sekikawa, the program Co-Director, Dr. Emma Barinas-Mitchell, and the Associate Co-Director, Dr. Allison Kuipers, this program is designed to provide concentrated training in the quality collection of subclinical vascular measures, biomarkers, and CVD outcomes data and how they can be used to understand the process of atherosclerosis and CVD.

Building on more than a decade of success, we are enhancing our existing training program by expanding to include Big Data, mobile Health (mHealth) and Cross-Cohort Collaboration. Doing so will position our trainees to be independent cardiovascular epidemiologists in multidisciplinary research settings competent in traditional and novel epidemiological methods in CVD.

The Training Program includes 4 pre-doctoral and 2 post- doctoral positions in epidemiology. Post-doctoral trainees are individuals with a PhD or MD. The training program consists of course work, research field work and professional development, all individually tailored to each trainee.

Curriculum

Key Components and Requirements of CVD Epidemiology T32 Program

Why Become a Trainee?

One is that I was involved in doing real, substantial research, from my first week. While course-work is important, the best learning experiences have been hands-on research with mentoring from my advisor, faculty, and more advanced students.

– NN

I believe the professors foster this readiness to openly communicate ideas and thoughts. The degree of collaboration between groups within the GSPH and outside of the university is also readily shown.

– KS

The camaraderie of students in the program is undeniable, and research opportunities often materialize out of a spontaneous conversation with a professor or fellow trainee.

– AA

I also enjoy the spirit of collaboration between postdocs, predocs, and faculty members here. I appreciate the effective mentoring of the more advanced students and faculty members in the program.

– JN

As a new trainee on the Cardiovascular Training Grant, I was immediately impressed with the organization, enthusiasm and support of the faculty, staff, and fellow trainees. The high facultyto-student ratio allows for a personalized program that compliments my background and supports my interests.

– JW

Epidemiology and Prevention | Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health

February 28 – March 3, 2023, Boston, MA

Left to Right: Yamnia Cortes (past trainee), Curtis Tilves (Past Trainee), Emma Barinas-Mitchell (Co-Director), Andrea Kozai (Current Trainee), Allison Kuipers (Associate Co-Director), Michelle Meyer (Past Trainee)

Left to Right: Yamnia Cortes (past trainee), Curtis Tilves (Past Trainee), Emma Barinas-Mitchell (Co-Director), Andrea Kozai (Current Trainee), Allison Kuipers (Associate Co-Director), Michelle Meyer (Past Trainee)

Andrea Kozai (Current Trainee)

Andrea Kozai (Current Trainee)

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