PHYSICIAN AND SCIENTIST TRAINING PROGRAM IN UROLOGIC RESEARCH

NIH GUIDE, Volume 26, Number 37, November 7, 1997

RFA:  DK-98-005

P.T.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
American Foundation for Urologic Diseases

Letter of Intent Receipt Date:  February 11, 1998
Application Receipt Date:  March 11, 1998

PURPOSE

To meet the demand for adequate numbers of skilled investigators in
urology, the Division of Kidney, Urologic and Hematologic Diseases
(DKUHD) of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and
Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), in cooperation with the American
Foundation for Urologic Diseases (AFUD), invites applications for
the continuation of a joint program for research training in
urology.  Each applicant will submit an application for training
basic medical scientists in biological sciences related to urologic
diseases of interest to the NIDDK and an application for training
physicians for a future in urology research.  Clinical training
programs will not be considered in this initiative.

HEALTHY PEOPLE 2000

The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the
health promotion and disease prevention objectives of "Healthy
People 2000," a PHS-led national activity for setting priority
areas.  Potential applicants may obtain a copy of "Healthy People
2000" (Full Report:  Stock No. 017-001-00474-0 or Summary Report: 
Stock No. 017-001-00473-1) through the Superintendent of Documents,
Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402-9325 (telephone:
202-512-1800).

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Only domestic, non-profit, private or public institutions may apply
for this program.  The applicant institution must be able to
demonstrate possession of the staff and facilities required for the
proposed program.  The training program director at the institution
will be responsible for the selection and appointment of the
trainees and the overall direction of the program. Except as
otherwise stated in this RFA, awards will be administered under
Public Health Service grants policy as stated in the PHS Grants
Policy Statement.

To be eligible for consideration under this RFA, each applicant
institution must submit two applications: one for the training of
Ph.D. basic scientists (T32), and a separate one for the training
of physician scientists (K12). Each application must be complete
and the two applications must be submitted as a single package.  If
the two application are not submitted, the application will be
considered incomplete and will be returned without review.

Basic science trainees must be citizens or non-citizen nationals of
the United States or must have been lawfully admitted for permanent
residence (i.e., have possession of a currently valid Alien
Registration Receipt Card I-551 or I-151, or be in possession of
other legal verification of such status).  Postdoctoral trainees on
National Research Service Award (NRSA) Institutional Training
Grants (T32) must have at the beginning of the appointment a Ph.D.
or comparable doctoral degree in science from an accredited
domestic or foreign institution.  These candidates are expected to
spend at least two years in the training experience.  For purposes
of this RFA only, candidates who possess a clinical degree (M.D.,
D.O., D.D.S., D.V.M.) would not be eligible for appointment on this
T32. NRSA-supported training is limited to three years without a
waiver issued by the awarding unit.  An information pamphlet
concerning requirements for Institutional Training Grants may be
obtained by calling Ask NIH, 301-710-0267, or you may obtain
information on the internet: 
https://grants.nih.gov/training/careerdevelopmentawards.htm.

Postdoctoral NRSA trainees must sign a payback agreement form (PHS
form 6031) in the first 12 months of support. One month of
obligation is incurred for each month of support.  The 13th and
subsequent months of NRSA support do not incur further obligation
and are considered acceptable payback service for the prior 12
months of support.

Physician scientist trainees must hold the M.D. or equivalent
degree (D.O.), must have completed the general surgery requirement
for urology and ideally should have two years of urologic surgery
training.  These candidates are expected to spend at least three
years but may spend up to five years in the training experience. 
Candidates appointed under this program must be U.S. citizens or
non-citizen nationals, or have been lawfully admitted for permanent
residence and possess an Alien Registration Receipt Card (I-151 or
I-551) or some other verification of legal admission as a permanent
resident.  All other eligibility requirements appertaining to
candidates for a Mentored Clinical Scientist Development Award
apply.  An information pamphlet concerning the K12 may be obtained
by calling AskNIH, 301-710-0267, or you may use the internet:
https://grants.nih.gov/training/careerdevelopmentawards.htm.

Appointment of women and minority groups underrepresented
nationally in the biomedical and behavioral sciences are
encouraged.  The following groups have been identified as
underrepresented nationally in the biomedical and behavioral
sciences: African Americans; Hispanics; Native Americans; Alaskan
Natives; and Pacific Islanders.

Candidates for appointment, Ph.D. or M.D. (D.O.), may not hold nor
apply concurrently for any other PHS research project grant at the
time of appointment to the T32 or the K12.

MECHANISM OF SUPPORT

The training programs will combine two NIH award mechanisms, the
NRSA T32 grant and the Mentored Clinical Scientist Development
Program Award (K12).  Supplemental funding to the T32 and K12
awards will be provided by AFUD.  All conditions pertaining to
appointments on these award mechanisms must be met.

Each training institution must submit a T32 application and a K12
application to train Ph.D. and M.D. degree holders.  Those holding
basic research degrees will receive training on the T32 while those
holding the M.D. will receive training on the K12.  Although the
basic concept of this program requires integration of training
experiences across the two support mechanisms, the emphasis of the
NRSA is to develop specialized programs for training in basic
sciences relevant to the study of the genitourinary tract and
urologic disorders and diseases.  Those supported by the K12 will
have clinical training and will have demonstrated research promise
in urology.  The K12 enables the candidate to undertake a program
of formal course work and also investigate a well defined basic
science problem under the sponsorship of a senior investigator in
that area.  The program is intended to facilitate the transition
from supervised research training to a career as an independent
investigator.

Applicants from institutions that have a General Clinical Research
Center (GCRC) funded by the NIH National Center for Research
Resources may wish to identify the GCRC as a resource for
conducting the proposed research.  If so, a letter of agreement
from either the GCRC program director or principal investigator
should be included with the application.

This RFA is a one-time solicitation.  Future unsolicited
continuation applications will compete with all investigator-
initiated applications and be reviewed according to the customary
peer review procedures. If the NIDDK determines that there is a
sufficient continuing program need, a new request for applications
will be announced.  The total project period for applications
submitted in response to the present RFA should be for five years. 
The anticipated award date is September 30, 1998.

FUNDS AVAILABLE

For FY 1998, $600,000 in total direct costs for year 01 will be
committed.  It is anticipated that up to four awards will be made. 
This level of support depends on the receipt of a sufficient number
of applications of high scientific merit.  Although this program is
provided for in the financial plans of the NIDDK, the award of
grants pursuant to this RFA is contingent upon the availability of
funds for this purpose.

Each new applicant should request one trainee on the T32 and one
trainee on the K12 for year 01, and two for each grant mechanism
for years 02 through 05.  Competing continuation applications
should request two trainee positions on each of the two grant
mechanisms for years 06 through 10.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

The urologic diseases affect a significant portion of both the
pediatric and adult population.  Progress in the understanding and
treatment of these diseases is hampered by the lack of a sufficient
number of research scientists and research clinicians in these
areas.  Surveys demonstrate that an obstacle to recruiting and
training urologists for research in urologic diseases is the
combination of the long period of residency training required for
board certification in Urology, and the low stipend awarded for
support in NRSA and career training programs.  To facilitate the
recruitment of individuals into research training programs in
urologic diseases, the DKUHD and the AFUD have developed the
present program to supplement the NIH support with designated funds
from the AFUD.

Areas for research training within this program are limited to
those which fall within the primary responsibility of the NIDDK. 
These areas are broadly defined as: prostate growth control and
development including BPH; chronic inflammatory urologic disorders
such as prostatitis and interstitial cystitis; the basic science
and clinical aspects of urolithiasis; the physiology and
pathophysiology of bladder function including voiding dysfunctions
as in urinary incontinence, enuresis and vesicoureteral reflux;
infections of the urinary tract; male sexual function and
dysfunction including the basic aspects of testicular and
epididymal function; and pediatric urology. Institutions, program
directors and individual applicants should contact the appropriate
staff at the NIDDK should there be any question of research areas
falling within the purview of the NIDDK.

A primary objective of the K12 program is to provide for a
continuous period of intensive full-time research training in
urologic diseases for individuals who have two years of training in
general surgery and two years training in urologic surgery.  It is
important to establish a pool of candidates who are willing and
able to commit themselves to an additional period of research
training.  A primary objective of the T32 is to recruit Ph.D.
scientists into research in areas of urologic disorders.  It is
necessary that institutions develop recruitment programs designed
to meet the objective of increasing the number of basic scientists
investigating urologic disorders.

Applicant institutions must include a well developed plan for the
recruitment of women and individuals from underrepresented minority
groups in biomedical and behavioral research.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

The NRSA training program must provide opportunities for
individuals to participate in supervised research in urologic
disorders at the post-Ph.D. level.  Programs must be able to
provide state-of-the-art training experiences relevant to urologic
disease research in basic science departments.  As noted elsewhere
in this announcement, trainees should receive at least two years of
support on the T32.

Candidates for the Mentored Clinical Scientist Development Program
grant must hold the M.D. or equivalent degree (D.O.), have
completed general surgery required for urology and have two years
of specialty surgery training.  These candidates, as noted, are
expected to spend a minimum of three years in training. It is
understood that if a trainee opts for a five-year training
experience, that the trainee will take a year off to complete
his/her Chief Resident year.  Subsequent to the Chief Resident
year, the individual may once again be appointed to the K12 grant.

The grantee institution must be a medical school or comparable
institution with a strong, well established research and training
program in areas related to urologic disease, have adequate numbers
of highly trained faculty in clinical and basic science
disciplines, have a record of providing postdoctoral training, and
have the interest, capability and commitment to provide guidance to
clinically trained individuals in the development of research
independence.

The Program Director should be able to demonstrate scientific
expertise, leadership and the administrative ability to coordinate
and supervise an interdisciplinary research program of this scope. 
He/she should be able to demonstrate a superior record of preparing
clinical investigators for independent research in academic
medicine.  A committee consisting of representatives from the
appropriate basic and clinical science departments must be
established to advise the Program Director. Graduates of this
program are expected to occupy positions in academic medicine and
be competitive for the NIH R01 research grant.

Applicants should provide a statement in the application giving
permission to DKUHD staff to share their application and Summary
Statement with program officials of AFUD.  Only grants being
considered for funding would be shared with AFUD officials.  This
is necessary in view of the unique funding relationship between the
DKUHD and AFUD in continuing the present training program.

Supplemental funding by AFUD will be direct to the participating
institution and will not incur indirect cost allowances by the NIH. 
Proposed stipends for the training program are noted in the
following example.  In the example, it is assumed that Ph.D.s have
0 years of postdoctoral experience at year 01 of the NRSA award,
and that the M.D. trainee opts for five years of training. Salary
levels on the Mentored Clinical Scientist Program Award may not
exceed $50,000/year based on the respective institutional
determination or salary scale for persons of equivalent
qualifications, experience and rank.  Other allowable costs
associated with the two programs may be obtained from the relevant
program information pamphlets. The following example is for a new
program with two M.D. and four Ph.D. trainees:

YEAR SLOTS     DEGREE    AWARD       NIH*     AFUD

01     1       Ph.D.#1    T32      $20,292   $3,000
01     1       M.D.#1     K12      $50,000        0

02     1       Ph.D.#2    T32      $20,292   $3,000
02     1       Ph.D.#1    T32      $21,420   $5,000
02     1       M.D.#1     K12      $50,000     $500
02     1       M.D.#2     K12      $50,000        0

03     1       Ph.D.#1    T32      $25,600   $5,000
03     1       Ph.D.#2    T32      $21,420   $5,000
03     1       Ph.D.#2    K12      $50,000     $500
03     1       M.D.#1       Chief Resident Year

04     1       Ph.D.#2    T32      $25,600   $5,000
04     1       Ph.D.#3    T32      $20,292   $3,000
04     1       M.D.#1     K12      $50,000   $5,500
04     1       M.D.#2       Chief Resident Year

05     1       Ph.D.#3    T32      $21,420   $5,000
05     1       Ph.D.#4    T32      $20,292   $3,000
05     1       M.D.#1     K12      $50,000  $15,000
05     1       M.D.#2     K12      $50,00    $5,500

06     1       M.D.#1     K12      $50,000  $17,500
06     1       M.D.#2     K12      $50,000  $15,000

07     1       M.D.#2     K12      $50,000  $17,500

* All stipends paid under a T32 will conform to the standard NRSA
stipend schedule in effect at the time. Values shown are current as
of the publication of this RFA.  Maximum salary allowance under the
K12 is currently $50,000 plus fringe benefits annually.

It is permissible for sponsoring institutions to provide additional
funds to AFUD and NIH stipends from non-federal funds.  You may
wish to consult Dr. Charles H. Rodgers (301-594-7717) for further
information on salary compensation.

INCLUSION OF WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMAN
SUBJECTS

It is the policy of NIH that women and members of minority groups
and their subpopulations must be included in all NIH supported
biomedical and behavioral research projects involving human
subjects, unless a clear and compelling rationale and justification
is provided that inclusion is inappropriate with respect to the
health of the subjects or the purpose of the research.  This policy
results from the NIH Revitalization Act of 1993 (Section 492B of
Public Law 103-43).

All investigators proposing research involving human subjects
should read the "NIH Guidelines for Inclusion of Women and
Minorities as Subjects in Clinical Research," which have been
published in the Federal Register of March 28, 1994 (FR 59
14508-14513), and in the NIH GUIDE FOR GRANTS AND CONTRACTS, Volume
23, Number 11, March 18, 1994.

LETTER OF INTENT

Prospective applicants are asked to submit, by February 11, 1998,
a letter of intent that includes a descriptive title of the
proposed research; the name, address and telephone number of the
Principal Investigator; the identities of other key personnel and
participating institutions; and the number and title of the RFA in
response to which the application may be submitted.

Although a letter of intent is not required, is not binding, and
does not enter into the review of a subsequent application, the
information that it contains allows NIDDK staff to estimate the
potential review workload and avoid conflict of interest in the
review.

The letter of intent is to be sent to:

Chief, Review Branch
Division of Extramural Activities
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases 45
Center Drive, Room 6AS-37F, MSC 6600
Bethesda, MD  20892-6600
Telephone: (301) 594-8885
FAX: (301) 480-3505

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

The research grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 5/95) is to be
used in applying for these grants.  These forms are available at
most institutional offices of sponsored research and may be
obtained from the Division of Extramural Outreach and Information
Resources, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC
7910, Bethesda, MD 20892-7910, telephone 301/710-0267, email: 
[email protected].

The RFA label available in the PHS 398 (rev. 5/95) application form
must be affixed to the bottom of the face page of the application. 
Failure to use this label could result in delayed processing of the
application such that it may not reach the review committee in time
for review.  In addition, the RFA title and number must be typed on
line 2 of the face page of the application form and the YES box
must be marked.

Submit a signed, typewritten original of the application, including
the Checklist, plus three signed photocopies, in one package to:

CENTER FOR SCIENTIFIC REVIEW (formerly Division of Research Grants)
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH
6701 ROCKLEDGE DR, ROOM 1040 - MSC 7710
BETHESDA, MD 20892-7710
BETHESDA, MD 20817 (for express/courier service)

At the time of submission, two additional copies of the application
must be sent to:

Chief, Review Branch
Division of Extramural Activities
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases 45
Center Drive, Room 6AS-37F - MSC 6600
BETHESDA, MD 20892-6600

Applications must be received by March 11, 1998.  If an application
is received after that date, it will be returned to the applicant
without review.  The Center for Scientific Review (CSR) will not
accept any application that is essentially the same as one already
reviewed. This does not preclude the submission of substantial
revisions of applications previously reviewed, but such
applications must include an introduction addressing the previous
critique.

REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS

Applications that are complete and responsive to the RFA will be
evaluated for scientific and technical merit by an appropriate peer
review group convened in accordance with NIH peer review
procedures.  As part of the initial merit review, all applications
will receive a written critique and undergo a process in which only
those applications deemed to have the highest scientific merit will
be discussed, assigned a priority score, and receive a second level
review by the National Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Advisory Council.

Review Criteria

T32 Applications:
o  Past research training record for both the program and the
designated preceptors in terms of the success of former trainees in
establishing independent and productive research careers;
o  Past research training record in terms of the success of former
trainees in obtaining individual awards such as fellowships, career
awards, and research grants for further development;
o  Objectives, design, and direction of the research training
program; o  Caliber of preceptors as researchers including
successful competition for research support;
o  Training environment including the institutional commitment, the
quality of the facilities, and the availability of research
support;
o  Recruitment and selection plans for appointees and the
availability of high quality candidates;
o  The record of the research training program in retaining health-
professional postdoctoral trainees for at least two years of
research training or other research activities;
o  When appropriate, the concomitant training of health-
professional postdoctorates (e.g., individuals with the M.D., D.O.)
with basic science postdoctorates (e.g., individuals with a Ph.D.,
SC.D.) will receive special consideration.

K12 Applications:
o  The experience and success of the Program Director in managing
career development programs;
o  The plans for selection and recruitment of clinical candidates
with the potential to develop as an independent investigator;
o  For renewal applications, the research career path of candidates
who have terminated support under this award within the past five
years; o  Likelihood that the career development plan will
contribute substantially to the scientific development of the
candidates;
o  Appropriateness of the content, the phasing, and the proposed
duration of the career development plan for achieving scientific
independence for the prospective candidates;
o  Usefulness of the research plans as a vehicle for developing the
research skills as described in the career development plan;
o  Scientific and technical merit of the research questions, design
and methodology;
o  Appropriateness of the faculty mentor's research qualifications
in the area(s) of this application;
o  Quality of the environment for scientific and professional
development; and o  Applicant institution's commitment to the
appropriate balance of research and clinical responsibilities.

AWARD CRITERIA

The anticipated date of award is September 30, 1998.

Applications will compete for available funds with all other
applications submitted in response to this RFA and recommended by
the initial review group.  The following will be considered in
making funding decisions.

o  Quality of the proposed training programs as determined by the
initial review group;
o  Availability of funds; and
o  Concurrence of AFUD in funding those whose scientific ratings
exceed the minimal funding criteria.

Schedule

Letter of Intent Receipt Date:  February 11, 1998
Application Receipt Date:       March 11, 1998
Review by Advisory Council:     September 1998
Anticipated Award Date:         September 30, 1998

INQUIRIES

Inquiries concerning this RFA are encouraged.  The opportunity to
clarify any issues or questions from potential applicants is
welcome.

Direct inquiries regarding programmatic issues to:

Charles H. Rodgers, Ph.D.
Division of Kidney, Urologic and Hematologic Diseases
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
45 Center Drive - MSC 6600
Bethesda, MD  20892-6600
Telephone:  (301) 594-7717
Email:  [email protected]

Leroy Nyberg, Ph.D., M.D.
Division of Kidney, Urologic and Hematologic Diseases
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
45 Center Drive, MSC 6600
Bethesda, MD  20892-6600
Telephone:  (301) 594-7718
Email:  [email protected]

Direct inquiries regarding fiscal and administrative matters to:

Ms. Nancy Dixon
Division of Extramural Activities
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
45 Center Drive, MSC 6600
Bethesda, MD  20892-6600
Telephone:  (301) 594-8854
Email:  [email protected]

AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS

This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance No. 93.849.  Awards are made under authorization of the
Public Health Service Act, Title IV, Part A (Public Law 78-410, as
amended by Public Law 99-158, 42USC 241 and 285) and administered
under PHS grants policies and Federal Regulations 42 CFR 52 and 45
CFR Part 74.  This program is not subject to the intergovernmental
review requirements of Executive Order 12372 or Health Systems
Agency review.

The PHS strongly encourages all grant and contract recipients to
provide a smoke-free workplace and promote the non-use of all
tobacco products.  In addition, Public Law 103-227, the Pro-
Children act of 1994,  prohibits smoking in certain facilities (or
in some cases, any portion of a facility) in which regular or
routine education, library, day care, health care or early
childhood development services are provided to children. This is
consistent with the PHS mission to protect and advance the physical
and mental health of the American people.

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