The Human and Molecular Development Training Program for M.D. or M.D./Ph.D. pediatricians continues a long tradition of applying knowledge gained through basic science research to the clinical setting to benefit the health of children.  Postdoctoral trainees take a fundamental approach to the diseases of children that includes the disciplines of developmental biology, molecular genetics and cell biology.  Each of the 45 faculty mentors has a commitment to training pediatrician scientists.  Every faculty mentor serves as a Principal Investigator for an R01, P01 or HHMI basic science research project in the area of development.  Faculty mentors can therefore provide basic science training in methodology to allow pediatrician fellows to begin to establish their own independent, NIH fundable research programs applicable to the clinical problems of children.

The basis of this program is mentoring.  Each awardee has their own faculty mentor.  In addition, the Scientific Advisory Board reviews all applications and provides specific feedback designed to increase the likelihood of funding grant proposals in the future.  The senior research associates in the Human and Molecular Development Core Laboratory provide reagents through oligonucleotide synthesis, DNA sequencing, and tissue culture.  They also provide training in preparing materials for the core laboratory and in utilizing the core laboratory products.  Weekly seminars and didactic sessions for fellows and junior faculty provide opportunities for creative interdisciplinary approaches to pediatric disease by bringing together basic scientists and pediatrician investigators.  Drs. Linda and Ed McCabe provide group mentoring through a course on How to Succeed in Academics, and a Leadership Workshop.  How to Succeed in Academics includes preparation of grants, abstracts and presentations for scientific meetings, and publications.  The Leadership Workshop is a forum for discussion of developing the tools for leadership including vision, mentoring, and creative problem solving.  Formal coursework in basic science methodology is encouraged, including the opportunity to obtain a Ph.D.

Applicants can be from any pediatric subspecialty as long as they have a basic science interest in pediatric research.  Fellows from any of the UCLA campuses, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, King/Drew Medical Center, or the Mattel Children’s Hospital at UCLA are eligible to apply.  Applications include a completed K08 application, a letter of recommendation from the faculty mentor, a letter of commitment to 85% protected time for research from the division head, and a letter from the applicant detailing planned use of the core laboratory, and future plans for grant applications.

For more information regarding the Human and Molecular Development Training Program please contact Edward R.B. McCabe, M.D., Ph.D., 310-825-5095 (Phone); 310-206-4584 (Fax), or  emccabe@pediatrics.medsch.ucla.edu (Email).

Return to McCabe Bio