Implementing a Graduate Certificate Program in Cardiovascular Epidemiology: The Jackson Heart Study

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Epidemiology
• Public Health Training

Background:

• The Jackson Heart Study (JHS) aims to advance understanding of cardiovascular diseases.
• A shortage of trained professionals in cardiovascular epidemiology exists.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the structured training programs developed by the JHS Graduate Training and Education Center (GTEC).
• To address the shortage of professionals in cardiovascular epidemiology.
• To train graduate students in cardiovascular disease epidemiology.

Main Methods:

• The Daniel Hale Williams Scholar (DHWS) program offers an enrichment curriculum, learning community, quarterly seminars, and a Summer Institute.
• Training includes Applied Biostatistics, Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology, Social Epidemiology, Emerging Topics, and Research Writing.
• Students utilize Jackson Heart Study data for hands-on learning.

Main Results:

• The DHWS program provides rigorous academic and career-focused training.
• Students gain competencies in cardiovascular health knowledge.
• The program equips graduates to impact cardiovascular disease management.

Conclusions:

• The DHWS program is a successful strategy for training future cardiovascular epidemiologists.
• The program effectively enhances graduate students' skills in cardiovascular disease research and prevention.
• JHS GTEC's initiative contributes to building a skilled workforce in cardiovascular health.