1. Working Across
SCOR, BIRCWH and CTSA
Programs: Interdisciplinary
Synergy
Kathleen Brady, MD, PhD
Associate Dean for Clinical and Translational Research
Medical University of South Carolina
S

2. MUSC Specialized Center for
Translational Research (SCOR)
S Funded 2002-?????
S Research focus: gender differences in
substance use / stress response
S Translational research teams
S Second aim: to encourage growth of gender-
based research campus-wide

3. Specific Aim
S To build a multi-
disciplinary, translational program of
research focused on gender-related
issues in stress and substance use
disorders at MUSC

4. Strategies
S Link with other programs
S Bring in seasoned investigators
S Build critical mass

5. Building Basic-Clinical Research
Bridges: The Whole is Greater than
the Sum of the Parts
S Each project with unique focus, but
interdependent, cross-talk, iterative process
S medications studies
S gonadal hormone findings
S pharmacologic stressors
S impulsivity studies
S adverse childhood experiences

6. Bridging Basic and Clinical Research
Projects
Two basic science, two clinical projects : projects
unique, but interdependent, cross-talk, iterative
development
Stress enhances
impulsivity in human In vivo modulation of Imaging of brain changes
laboratory paradigm identified brain regions in produced by
the animal model pharmacotherapy for
cognitive deficit
Parallel test
in the animal model Test of novel Test of novel
established and applied pharmacotherapy for pharmacotherapy for in
stress-enhanced human subjects
impulsivity

7. Specific Aim
S To encourage the growth of gender-based
research throughout the MUSC campus
S Pilot project program
S Interaction with Women Scholars Initiative
S Interaction with centers throughout MUSC
campus

8. Pilot Project Program
S Funded by COM Dean of College and University Provost
S Received approximately 300 applications from every college and multiple
departments, funded over 60 projects
S Has resulted in collaborations/gender-based research :
S Aging Center
S Ob-Gyn
S Hollings Oncology Center
S Crime Victims Center
S Pediatrics
S Center for Advanced Imaging Research
S Alcohol Research Center
S Pain Clinic - Anesthesiology

9. Specific Aim
S To attract and mentor young
investigators and new investigators in
the area of research, particularly
patient-oriented research, in women’s
health issues

10. Interaction with Training
Programs
S Post-Doctoral Fellowships in Alcohol and Drug Abuse:
Translational Research
S Drug Abuse Research Training
S SPCTR: Roadmap Initiative focused on pre-doctoral research
training
S Master’s Training in Clinical Research
S Neuroscience Graduate Program
S NIMH-funded course in Biology of Neurologic and
Neuropsychiatric Disease
S Psychology Internship Program
S Submitted K-12 application: BIRWCH

11. MUSC BIRCWH
•Awarded September, 2007
•Clinical and basic science scholars funded for 2-3 years each
•Focus on gender differences in
• Aging/ Cognitive decline
• Addictions/ Mental health
• Neuroscience

12. Areas of Overlap
SCOR/BIRCWH
S Monthly seminar series – SCOR investigators, BIRCWH
scholars and mentors
S Foster and model interdisciplinary “cross-talk”
S Monthly journal club
S BIRCWH Scholars work on SCOR projects
S Collaboration across BIRCWH projects – basic/clinical
interaction
S Pilot project funds

13. CTSA : Institutional Home for
Clinical and Translational Science
Healthcare
organizations

14. CTSA MISSION
To facilitate clinical and translational research
by providing research support services, research
training and improving access to research-
related resources.

15. CTSA Mission
S Tremendous overlap with SCOR/BIRCWH – opportunity to
leverage CTSA resources for program enhancement
S SOCRATES – K-awardee “club”
S Annual Mentorship retreat
S Pilot project program
S Thematic Research Retreats
S STAR consultations
S Core support/Research navigation

16. CTSA
Research Resources
Tech Transfer
Regulatory & Bioethics
Interdisciplinary
Training/Mentoring
Pilot Projects
SCOR BIRCWH
WOMEN’S HEALTH
Journal Club
Seminar Series
S

17. Opportunities to Expand
Funding
S

18. CONCLUSIONS
S Advocacy/awareness critical
S Find out about CTSA resources
S Leverage existing strengths
S Partner with existing centers, programs
S Recruit “seasoned” investigators to
explore gender differences
S Work across mentorship/training programs