Training Program in Infectious Diseases in the Immunocompromised Host

PROJECT SUMMARY
Our interdisciplinary training program, based at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (Fred Hutch),
focuses on Infectious Diseases in the Immunocompromised Host. Our objective is to recruit and train
outstanding physician-scientists and postdoctoral PhD scientists to perform basic, translational and clinical
research, using state-of-the-art methods and analytical techniques. Our overarching goal is to train the next
generation of leaders in the field, who will use their expertise to advance our understanding of infectious
disease biology and pathogenesis, and to develop novel strategies to prevent, treat and control infectious
diseases in high-risk immunocompromised patients. There is increasing demand for research training in this
field: infection remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality for immunocompromised hosts, and millions
are at risk or affected by established pathogens and emerging pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2. The
population of immunocompromised individuals in the United States continues to grow, driven by advances in
transplantation techniques and cancer treatments, increased survival of these patients, and the development of
novel drugs and biological agents to treat autoimmune diseases. As part of an NCI-designated cancer
consortium whose renowned faculty have contributed landmark advances in the field of infectious diseases of
the immunocompromised host for the past 40 years, and whose expertise collectively encompass all facets of
this field, Fred Hutch is uniquely positioned to successfully lead this training program. In partnership with the
University of Washington (UW), the Infectious Disease Sciences Program of Fred Hutch has an excellent,
multi-decade track record of training physician-scientists and postdoctoral PhD scientists who launch
independent research careers in academia, government research, or industry leadership positions. Our funded
T32 grant has allowed us to expand our training program and solidify funding for trainees in this specialized
area of infectious diseases. We seek to maintain this high standard of training; the T32 will support 2 new,
qualified trainees (MDs and/or PhDs) per year, for 3 years of training each. T32 trainees pursue one of three
consolidated research tracks that represent the unique strengths of our immunocompromised host program
and its mentors: 1) Clinical Research, Infection Prevention, and Stewardship; 2) Immunology/Immunogenetics;
and 3) Microbiome and Pathogenesis. These tracks provide training in unique aspects of this field and will
assure that trainees develop expertise in epidemiology, diagnosis, management and host-pathogen
interactions. All trainees participate in a rigorous core curriculum consisting of courses, lectures, retreats,
research and targeted career development activities; trainees also have the opportunity to complete a master’s
degree at UW. Our training program helps to address the national need for researchers that focus their clinical
and/or laboratory investigation on Infectious Diseases in the Immunocompromised Host, and provides those
trainees with the skills and expertise to successfully transition into independent research careers.

Grant Number: 5T32AI118690-11
NIH Institute/Center: NIH
Principal Investigator: MICHAEL BOECKH