Training and Research Academy for Clinical and Translational Science (TRACTS)

The Training and Research Academy for Clinical and Translational Science (TRACTS) is a training program for early career faculty who have an interest in pursuing clinical/ translational research as a major component of their careers. The goal of TRACTS is to prepare clinicians for an expanded role in health sciences, including further research career development. TRACTS is designed to have a small footprint on clinical schedules.

Training and Research Academy for Clinical and Translational Science (TRACTS)

Are you a clinician interested in navigating your academic career?

If you know anyone who might benefit from TRACTS, please click below to learn how you can get in contact with the TRACTS team.

Vascular lab used to study cardiovascular health


Program overview

TRACTS consists of three components aimed at balancing the demands of clinical and academic pursuits:

Laura M. Jacobsen, MD

Why TRACTS?

"TRACTS offers additional mentorship outside my division with classes and small group discussion tailored to physicians’ research needs. Advancing our statistical knowledge and ability, in addition to having a strong grant support system, are invaluable for young clinician researchers on the road to independence."


Mentorship

TRACTS participants enter the program with a variety of research interests but are often new to UF.  After one or more interviews with TRACTS staff, they will identify potential mentors from faculty within the Health Science Center as well as relevant academic units.


Is TRACTS for you?

  • Candidates must be faculty with a full-time appointment within a UF department or a fellow or post-doc who plans to pursue a full-time faculty position upon completion of training.
  • Candidates must have completed their health professions doctoral degree (e.g., M.D., D.O., D.D.S., D.M.D., O.D., D.C., Pharm.D.)
  • Candidates with PhD or another doctoral degree in a clinical discipline such as clinical psychology, nursing, clinical genetics, speech-language pathology, audiology or rehabilitation are also eligible.

Citizenship

Although US citizenship is not required, the candidate must be able to demonstrate that he/she will be eligible for US career development grants at the time of completion of the program.

Individuals on student visas are not eligible.

Former PD/PIs on NIH research project (R01), program project (P01), center grants, FIRST Awards (R29), sub-projects of program project (P01) or center grants, other career development awards (K–awards), or the equivalent are not eligible.


Interested in joining?

Sign-up for more information, we will contact you to arrange a meeting with TRACTS director Ron Shorr, MD, MS to discuss career trajectory and research interests.


About the Director

Ron Shorr, MD, MS

Ron Shorr
Ron Shorr, MD, MS, professor of epidemiology, UF College of Public Health and Health Professions and College of Medicine, and director of the Geriatrics Research, Education and Clinical Center at the Malcom Randall Veterans Affairs Medical Center

TRACTS Program Director

Professor of epidemiology, UF College of Public Health and Health Professions and College of Medicine, and director of the Geriatrics Research, Education and Clinical Center at the Malcom Randall Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Background

Dr. Shorr has a long track record and passion for mentoring and has been engaged in physician academic development programs at UF since his arrival in 2007.

  • Undergraduate | Duke University
  • Medical school | Ohio State University
  • Training | Medicine and geriatrics, University of Wisconsin and William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital
  • Masters | Epidemiology, Case Western Reserve University
  • Fellowship | Pharmacoepidemiology, Vanderbilt University

Research interests

  • Dr. Shorr has extensive experience conducting both observational and experimental studies on healthcare safety and quality, particularly in older adult populations.