Mentoring and Research in Translational Science of Integrative Medicine
Funded Grant
Overview
Affiliation
View All
Overview
description
Abstract This renewal application of the K24 award (AT009198; 2016-2022) to Helen Lavretsky, MD,MS from the NCCIH focused on “Mentoring and Research in Translational Science of Complementary Integrative Health (CIH),” that was marked by the creation of Integrative Psychiatry and her appointment as the Director of Research for the UCLA Integrative Medicine Collaborative with over 100 faculty members and staff and a T32 training program in Complementary and Integrative Health (CIH). Over the past 15 years, Dr. Lavretsky has established herself as a thought leader in Patient-Oriented Complementary and Integrative Health research, both nationally and internationally, with continuous federal and foundation funding (NCCIH, NIMH, DOD, NIA, PCORI, ARPF), with high research productivity and 56 trainees mentored in the CIH POR research during the initial NCCIH K24 award (2016-2022), of whom 25 (45%) now have their own federal or other funding sources with 85% of her mentees being women or underrepresented minorities. The proposed renewal of the K24 Midcareer Investigator Award in Patient-Oriented Research will continue to support Dr Lavretsky by providing protected time to help expand her mentoring and research program to the all-encompassing translational CIH science that includes the NIH defined phases of translation from bench-to bed-side-to community: T1 (developing novel interventions based on neural mechanisms)- T2 (testing the efficacy/effectiveness) and T3 (implementation research for healthcare system wide change in encompassing whole person health) that is closely aligned with the CTSA and NCCIH philosophy. The research opportunities for training purposes will include three trials with virtual Tai Chi: 1) the recently NCCIH funded (UG3/UH3 grant that supports the multi-site comparative embedded implementation trial of remote Tai Chi for knee arthritis across four large healthcare systems; 2) the DOD-funded trial of virtual Tai Chi vs PLIE vs Health Education in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI); and 3) the proposed pilot feasibility study of the rTMS neuromodulation added to Tai Chi in adults (50+) with knee arthritis and depression, in addition to others. The main goals of this program will be to: Goal 1: Conduct rigorous research into developing new interventions (proposed pilot project) and testing the efficacy and effectiveness and implementation of Tai Chi in adults with chronic pain, mood and cognitive disorders; Goal 2: Advance expertise in implementation science via participation in the NIH Pragmatic Trial Collaboratory, academic courses, and consultations with the experts; Goal 3: Develop expertise in rTMS neuromodulation added to mind-body interventions via clinical training, research, and consultations with the experts; and Goal 4: Mentor future CIH researchers via research and academic mentorship provided at multiple levels of training, including developing medical student curriculum for the 3rd “Discovery” year of in-depth training in the CIH research. With the renewal of this K24, Dr Lavretsky will be able to advance the CIH mentoring and research priorities, both locally and nationally.
