We firmly believe that research is an integral part of endocrinology fellowship training. The University of Michigan boasts a rich history of major discoveries in endocrinology and a broad portfolio of ongoing research excellence. All fellows select a faculty mentor during their first year, with whom they will conduct research during their second and possibly additional years.
Second- and third-year fellows on the Research Track are appointed to the T32 training grant until they secure independent funding. Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents to be appointed to the training grant. The T32 provides 80% protected time for research activities. PSTP fellows are guaranteed three years of 80% protected research time. These research activities span a broad spectrum, which reflects the diversity of faculty research interests: basic laboratory research in biochemistry and cell biology; whole-animal physiology and molecular biology; human genetics, physiology, and pathophysiology investigations; pharmaceutical trials in human beings; epidemiology and outcomes research focused on endocrine diseases and their sequellae.
Second-year Clinician-Educator Track fellows are also required to conduct research. The amount of time and types of projects will vary with each fellow’s interests and other activities. Generally, 25-50% of their time during second year will be devoted to some form of clinical investigation, as approved by the Steering Committee. Clinician-Educator Track fellows may apply for a third year of research training.
Every summer, we hold a series of didactic lectures on research methodology. Fellows entering the second year deliver a formal presentation describing their proposed research and submit a short written proposal for approval by the Steering Committee. Fellows are expected to submit at least one abstract for presentation at a national meeting during their fellowship time and to write at least one scholarly manuscript with a faculty member as well.
