Expansion of the National K12 Program for the Career Development of Clinician-Scientists in Diabetes Research (Diabetes-DOCS)

May 2021 Council

Lead Division/Office

DEM

Point(s) of Contact

Lisa M. Spain, Ph.D.

Executive Summary

The purpose of the Development Of Clinician-Scientists in Diabetes research (Diabetes-DOCS) Program is to support the development of physicians committed to a career in diabetes research. The Diabetes-DOCS program is intended to remedy the dearth of pediatric endocrinologists and physicians from other specialties who conduct outstanding, innovative research into the causes and consequences of diabetes. Diabetes-DOCS will be a single national program, implemented by one or more PD/PIs, together with an advisory committee composed of basic and clinical investigators who have a strong record of funded research and successful training of physician-scientists. Although there will be one national administrative center awardee, scholars are expected to be appointed and supported at their home institutions around the country. The program will start with a focus on Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) research, with funding from the Statutory Special Diabetes Program. This expansion (based on limited competition review) will fund additional slots to support the career development of physicians whose research focuses on NIDDK emphasis areas in type 2 diabetes and metabolic diseases. The program is expected to deliver on goals to increase the diversity of physician scientists with independent research careers in the mission of NIDDK.