PART Training Explained
PART Trainees can choose from four different pathways: Basic-Translation Science, Clinical-Translation Science, Implementation Science or Evidence Synthesis for Health Policy. Learn more about these tracks below!
Basic-Translation Science Track
Trainees pursuing this track will identify a mentor with an active research laboratory focused on mechanisms of TB or other pulmonary complications of HIV and coursework strong in the basic sciences.
Clinical -Translation Science Track
Trainees pursuing this track will identify a mentor with an active clinical research program, focused on carrying out observational studies or evaluating the accuracy of novel diagnostics or the clinical efficacy of novel interventions.
Implementation Science Track
Trainees pursuing this track will identify a mentor with an active implementation research program, focused on engaging stakeholders and using mixed methods to prepare for novel patient or provider behavior change interventions.
Evidence Synthesis for Health Policy Track
Trainees pursuing this track will identify a mentor with experience in systematic reviews or mathematical modeling and apply these methods to an important policy question in TB and other pulmonary complications of HIV.
Target Conditions
All PART trainees must have a project focused on the pulmonary complications of HIV/AIDS. Read below for why these conditions are so important for the health of Ugandans
HIV/AIDS
AIDS has had a devastating impact on Uganda, killing nearly one million people and causing significant morbidity among survivors. Currently over 1 million adults and children in Uganda are living with HIV/AIDS.
Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI)
LRTIs are a leading cause of death in low-income countries, especially among people living with HIV/AIDS. Tuberculosis (TB) accounts for 25% of these deaths. The epidemiological and clinical characteristics of other LRTIs are less well-described. Diagnosing and effectively treating LRTIs in people living with HIV remains a major challenge.
Tuberculosis (TB)
Worldwide, TB is the leading cause of death due to infectious diseases. In Uganda, the incidence of TB is over 200 per 100,000. An estimated 54% of patients with TB tested are positive for HIV resulting in a deadly co-epidemic in Uganda.
Other Pulmonary Complications of HIV/AIDS
Over the past 25 years, >40 studies of the etiology of lower respiratory-tract illnesses in HIV-infected adults and children in sub-Saharan Africa have been published. While these studies have shown bacterial pneumonia to be the leading cause of pneumonia and TB to be the leading cause of death, many other etiologies has been identified, including viral pneumonia; fungal pneumonia, and pulmonary Kaposi’s sarcoma. In a consistently large proportion no etiologic diagnosis is ever made.
How to Become a PART Trainee
In the PART training program, we aim to train Ugandan fellows who are pursuing PhDs, Masters in Medicine & Pediatrics, Masters in Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Masters in Public Health. Other Masters programs will be considered for highly skilled candidates pursuing research in HIV and its pulmonary complications. Strong consideration will be given to those seeking a degree in an implementation science related discipline.
Funding and mentorship support is available for 2 years for Masters programs and 3 years for PhD programs. Continuing support will depend in part on the trainee's performance. Support for an MMed will only be available beginning in the third year of training.
Criteria for Selection
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Demonstrated interest in research and public health particularly in TB or other pulmonary complications of HIV/AIDS
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Willingness to conduct a rigorously mentored dissertation or thesis project in this area
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Commitment to develop and maintain a productive career devoted to research, control, and prevention of TB or other pulmonary complications of HIV/AIDS
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Agreement to conform to rules and regulations of the degree granting institution and remain in good standing
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At least 2 years experience working full-time on a research project (any health field but HIV related projects preferred)
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Prior approval by proposed research mentor. Applicants must discuss their proposed research project with their proposed mentor prior to applying.
