Multidisciplinary K12 Urologic Research at Stanford (KUReS) Career Development Program

PROJECT SUMMARY / ABSTRACT The overall objective of the Multidisciplinary K12 Urology Research at Stanford (KUReS) Career Development Program is to develop the next generation of highly qualified MD, MD/PhD, and PhD scientists to emerge as independent investigators capable of obtaining funding to support their research, leading their

area of research in benign urology, and ultimately bring meaningful impact to their field. During the program period, Scholars will be given the training, courses, and guidance needed to achieve this goal; key to the Program’s success will be the mentoring provided by our NIH-funded faculty preceptors. Twenty-eight Faculty

Preceptors drawn from 3 Schools, 6 Institutes/Centers and 16 Departments at Stanford, 8 Advisory Committee members, and 6 Near-Peer Mentoring Committee members will collaborate to train junior physician scientists and investigators (KUReS Scholars) to acquire the skills and experience needed to transition into productive,

independent physician scientists able to sustain viable careers and mentor future generations. The KUReS Program bridges clinical care with excellence in basic, clinical and translational research to address the national shortage of qualified investigators in benign urology. The Program includes a structured

training plan of sufficient duration to achieve independence, individualized didactic education based on skills, competencies, and needs, extensive team-based mentoring, hands-on research, and protected time with immersion in a vibrant research community. Stanford has robust mentoring systems, strong curriculum, and

solid infrastructure in place to prepare KUReS Scholars for research independence. Each Scholar will have a multidisciplinary mentor team as well as access to a wealth of resources including the Stanford U54 O’Brien Center, Stanford CTSA and NIDDK CAIRIBU network. We have an excellent pipeline of diverse Scholar

candidates and comprehensive collateral resources. Two KUReS Scholars will be supported each year of the 5-year Program. Duration of support for each Scholar will average 2-3-years. Leveraging on the expertise of the Preceptors and Stanford’s outstanding infrastructure, Scholars will be recruited nationally to pursue one of

five research thematic areas: 1) Regenerative Medicine, Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS), and Voiding Dysfunction; 2) Urologic Omics and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS); 3) Urologic Imaging and Engineering, 4) Urinary Stone Disease and Infections; and 5) LGBTQ+ Health and the Urinary Tract.

Scholars will develop essential skills and a portfolio of research projects to propel their transition to independence. Research progress and career outcomes of Scholars are evaluated in an ongoing basis by Faculty Preceptors, Program leadership and Advisory Committee members.