Preceptor : Michael Pillinger, M.D., Faculty Coordinator; various faculty serve as research preceptors.
Course Code: 04-36
Telephone: (212) 951-3328

Prerequisites: None

Description

This elective involves participation in the research activities of the Division of Rheumatology. Multiple projects are available covering a broad spectrum of research interests. These include, but are not limited to: studies of the cell biology of the chondrocyte in osteoarthritis; molecular regulation of synovial cells in rheumatoid arthritis; the role of cellular apoptosis in systemic lupus; the cellular mechanisms of neonatal lupus; the role of B cells in autoimmunity; the role of nitric oxide in inflammation; the role of endothelial cells in inflammation; the role of adenosine in inflammation and bone biology; the cellular and molecular biology of ras-related proteins; and projects relating to the clinical epidemiology of lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and gout.

Objectives of the Elective

For laboratory electives, students will be introduced to the basic techniques in laboratory research, under the guidance of a mentor. Students will acquire the skills of performing various experiments and will participate in on-going studies. Highly motivated students may have the option of pursuing independent research questions. Interpretation of laboratory data will also be taught by the mentor.

For clinical research electives, students will participate in the performance of an ongoing clinical research project. Activities may include patient enrollment assessment; data collection from electronic medical records; and data analysis.

Key Responsibilities of the student while on Elective

1. Depending upon their project, students may be assigned specific tasks in the laboratory experiments or clinical research, and will attend conferences in Bellevue Hospital, The Hospital for Joint Diseases, The Manhattan VA Hospital and Tisch Hospital/Skirball Institute.
2. Attendance at the journal club and Rheumatology Grand Rounds is mandatory.
3. Weekly Research in progress at Bellevue Hospital and Hospital for Joint Diseases should also be attended.

Didactic Program

Research results will be reviewed by preceptor and their interpretations will be discussed.

Method of Evaluation

Evaluation of students will be made by the appropriate research preceptor.

Scheduling Information

Months Offered: All Year. Research electives are offered only at the discretion of the potential mentor, so students are expected to coordinate directly with the precepting faculty to discuss availability.

Report to: Please contact Dr. Pillinger at least four (4) weeks in advance to identify an appropriate mentor.

Subsequently, report to that mentor’s laboratory or office on the final day of elective.

Students Per Period: 1-2 from NYU

Duration: Four weeks (minimum); two months or more highly desirable.