title: The Multidisciplinary Translational Team (MTT) Model for Training and Development of Translational Research Investigators.
abstract: Multiinstitutional research collaborations now form the most rapid and productive project execution structures in the health sciences. Effective adoption of a multidisciplinary team research approach is widely accepted as one mechanism enabling rapid translation of new discoveries into interventions in human health. Although the impact of successful team-based approaches facilitating innovation has been well-documented, its utility for training a new generation of scientists has not been thoroughly investigated. We describe the characteristics of how multidisciplinary translational teams (MTTs) promote career development of translational research scholars through competency building, interprofessional integration, and team-based mentoring approaches. Exploratory longitudinal and outcome assessments from our experience show that MTT membership had a positive effect on the development of translational research competencies, as determined by a self-report survey of 32 scholars. We also observed that all trainees produced a large number of collaborative publications that appeared to be associated with their CTSA association and participation with MTTs. We conclude that the MTT model provides a unique training environment for translational and team-based learning activities, for investigators at early stages of career development.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Translational Sciences (ITS), University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas, USA.
authors.forename: Bill T
authors.initials: BT
authors.lastname: Ameredes
authors.affiliation: Departments of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, and Surgery, Institute for Translational Sciences (ITS), University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas, USA.
authors.forename: Mark R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Hellmich
authors.affiliation: Office of Research Education and Training, Institute for Translational Sciences (ITS), University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas, USA.
authors.forename: Christina M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Cestone
authors.affiliation: Department of Management, School of Business and Public Administration, University of Houston, Clear Lake, Houston, Texas, USA.|the Institute for Translational Sciences (ITS), University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas, USA.
authors.forename: Kevin C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Wooten
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine and the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Occupational Therapy and Division of Geriatrics, Institute for Translational Sciences (ITS), University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas, USA.
authors.forename: Kenneth J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Ottenbacher
authors.affiliation: Departments of Pediatrics and Pathology, Institute for Translational Sciences (ITS), University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas, USA.
authors.forename: Tasnee
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Chonmaitree
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, Institute for Translational Sciences (ITS), University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas, USA.
authors.forename: Karl E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.affiliation: Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Institute for Translational Sciences (ITS), University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas, USA.
authors.forename: Allan R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Brasier
mesh_terms: D057191:Capacity Building; D002322:Career Mobility; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D004526:Efficiency; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007587:Job Description; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008611:Mentors; D017145:Models, Educational; D011361:Professional Competence; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012108:Research Personnel / Q000193:education*; D013192:Staff Development; D013997:Time Factors; D057170:Translational Research, Biomedical / Q000193:education*
keywords: Clinical Translational Science Award (CTSA); early career investigators; interdisciplinary science; team-science education; translational research competencies