Cardiovascular Research Training Program at UNM

Tom Resta, the program director, introduces the Cardiovascular Research Training Program at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center. The slide showcases the Rio Grande bosque and Sandia Mountains, highlighting the program's location in Albuquerque.

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in the United States. Lower respiratory diseases, often resulting in pulmonary vascular dysfunction and hypertension, are also significant. Pulmonary hypertension is a major research focus at the Health Sciences Center.

The program has been continuously funded by a T-32 grant from the NIH since 1993. It includes 25 faculty mentors from various departments and currently funds six pre-doctoral and two post-doctoral trainees. The program has a strong record of producing successful scientists.

Most program alumni hold academic positions, with others in government research (including the armed forces) and the biotech industry. Almost all are in research-intensive roles. Examples include Chris Margin (senior scientist in biotech), Scott Early (professor with multiple NIH grants), Jessica Snow (professor with NIH and AHA grants), and Melissa Riddle (officer with the Department of Defense).

Trainees receive an NIH-level stipend, tuition coverage, travel funds for conferences, and flexible support for health insurance, lab supplies, and computer equipment. Support can extend up to five years for graduate students and three years for post-doctoral fellows.

Eligibility requires U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, working with a designated mentor on cardiovascular disease, enrollment in the cardiovascular journal club seminar series, and submission of a pre- or post-doctoral fellowship application to develop grant writing skills.