Chronic pain is a significant issue in health care delivery, affecting 116 million Americans. The University of Iowa Pain Research Program offers a community of research professionals dedicated to training the next generation of scientists and physicians in the recognition, mechanisms and management of pain. Training is provided to both predoctoral students as well as postdoctoral fellows by a team of NIH-funded investigators and physician scientists who are experts in the fields of molecular, cellular and systems neurobiology.

As health care research continues to emphasize patient-centered outcomes, the UI Pain Research Program incorporates nurse scientists as part of the training program and works collaboratively with the UI Institute for Clinical and Translational Science in the development of research programs.

The program offers a diverse program of didactic coursework, seminars, journal clubs and progress meetings which enhance a dynamic and highly collaborative research training environment. Participants who complete the training program have the experience, knowledge and skills necessary for transition into an independent research career, or work in industry or government.

Goals

Goals of the program include:
  • Provide individualized curriculum to ensure a solid knowledge base appropriate to trainee career plans
  • Provide rigorous training in the elements of scientific investigation
  • Train for the mastery of two to three research techniques
  • Develop trainee verbal communication skills
  • Provide experience in the construction of manuscripts and grant proposals
  • Provide the ability to conduct collaborative research with basic and clinical investigators within and outside the University of Iowa
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