The UT Southwestern Dean’s Scholar in Clinical Research program has selected three outstanding early clinical investigators to support in launching their independent research careers. Out of a highly competitive applicant pool, the new scholars are (pictured above, from left):

Puja Umaretiya, M.D., Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology and Oncology and a member of the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Umaretiya’s research focuses on identifying and addressing social determinants of health that drive racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic inequities experienced by children and parents during childhood cancer treatment.

Priscilla Yu, M.D., Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics specializing in pediatric cardiac critical care. Dr. Yu’s clinical and academic interests also include pediatric resuscitation science.

Wenjing Zong, M.D., Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics. Dr. Zong’s research activities focus on improving the nutrition of children with short bowel syndrome and the effects of dietary fiber on the gut microbiome and nutrient absorption.

The Dean’s Scholar in Clinical Research program strives to enhance the success of UT Southwestern faculty in the Clinical Scholar track. It provides early-career faculty protected research time, research support, didactic research training, career guidance, and mentorship to facilitate their development as successful clinical investigators.

Department Chairs may nominate new Dean’s Scholar candidates now for our next cycle of review, which closes May 17. Full details are available online.

A recent publication in NEJM showcases UT Southwestern researchers’ increasing involvement in the design and leadership of high-impact clinical trials. The NIH-funded trial collected information on over 11,000 patients with coexistent chronic kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension, from 141 clinical practices across four health systems in the U.S., Parkland Health, Texas Health Resources, ProHealth Physicians, and the VA North Texas Health Care System and monitored them via electronic health record. The findings revealed that electronic ambulatory decision support did not impact hospitalizations and yielded only modest differences in patient care at one year. However, the publication underscores the need for new, innovative tools to carefully investigate patient outcomes and support evidence-based clinical care, especially at the point of care.

“The study is a step forward in our ability to fulfill the missions of UT Southwestern,” says first author Miguel Vazquez, M.D. It offers valuable lessons on how to enhance collaboration across diverse settings, health conditions, and patient populations. The success of this study was made possible by the close collaboration between our research team at UT Southwestern and our partner health care systems. "We have a special opportunity to conduct large pragmatic clinical trials with our partner institutions in North Texas to generate evidence on how to improve clinical care," says Dr. Vazquez. The study is a testament to the dedication of our research faculty and administrators who support the design, execution, and analysis of comprehensive clinical trials like this one to guide medical care.

The Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA) Clinical Trial Finance Team will be offering training sessions to help faculty and staff to understand the fundamentals of how to create a comprehensive and accurate budget estimate for clinical research projects. The next training session is April 24 at noon via Teams.

Please email spaoutreach@utsouthwestern.edu to reserve your spot.

We encourage you to visit the SPA website for FAQs, step-by-step guidance, and resource materials for using existing Velos budgeting tools. Additional Velos resources, such the Velos Budget Creation SOP, are available on SPA’s website and in the Velos Quick Links Library.

Dear Colleagues, 

I’m pleased to share that this April edition of the Clinical Research Update marks our 25th volume of the newsletter. The Update has summarized the many changes that are occurring in clinical research operations at UT Southwestern. Thanks to each of you who have contributed to this newsletter and whose efforts have ensured that we continue to advance clinical research and education. I look forward to new opportunities in the upcoming year and more successes to come.

Sincerely,

Eric Peterson, M.D., M.P.H.

Inaugural UT System AI Symposium in Health Care

UT Southwestern is proud to welcome researchers, clinicians, educators, and students to the Inaugural UT System AI Symposium in Health Care on May 30 and 31. This exciting event will delve into the latest advancements in AI and explore its impact on health care, biomedical research, and education. Register now to join in the conversation in-person or virtually.

• May 30, noon - 5 p.m.
• May 31, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Applications due April 20!

Submit your abstract on AI applications in medicine, education, or health care operations to the Inaugural UT System AI Symposium in Health Care.

TeamMAPPS: Introduction to Team Science*

TeamMAPPS is a behavioral skills training program specifically developed to increase collaboration and effectiveness in scientific teams.

Wednesdays noon–1 p.m.

• May 1: Awareness & Exchange. Register to attend.
• June 5: Adaptation & Correction. Register to attend.

Questions? Email: victoria.lutgengronau@utsouthwestern.edu

Biomedical Research Awareness Day (BRAD) Event*

Elizabeth Maher, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Internal Medicine and Neurology and the Theodore H. Strauss Professor in Neuro-Oncology at UT Southwestern Medical Center, will deliver a keynote address on the use of genetically engineered mouse models and patient-derived mouse xenografts to unlock new treatment pathways.

• April 18, noon–1 p.m. Register to attend.

Clinical and Translational Science Forum*

Clinical & Translational Science Forum provides an open, community-based opportunity for early-career clinical investigators to improve their skills in clinical research design and analysis as well as the presentation of research plans and data. The goal of this interactive forum is to share, listen, and explore how we might work toward bringing about sustainable health equity.

Join us Thursdays at 12:15 p.m.

• April 18. Register to attend.
• April 25. Register to attend.
• May 2. Register to attend.

Empower Your Multisite Research*

This Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) seminar is designed to empower the multisite research investigator by providing a deep dive into PCORI’s resources. The seminar will equip you with knowledge of funding opportunities specifically geared toward patient-centered multisite studies. You’ll also gain access to valuable guidance and tools to navigate every stage of your research while fostering collaboration with colleagues across disciplines. This comprehensive approach can significantly enhance your ability to design, execute, and ultimately disseminate impactful research that improves health care practices and policies.

• April 30, 11 a.m. Register to attend.

Didactic Session: Building Your Mentoring Team*

Clinical Researcher Catalyst Program Didactic Session featuring Ayesha Zia, M.D.

• April 30, noon. Register to attend.

*Sponsored by the UT Southwestern CTSA Program