Two new KL2 scholars join the Center for Translational Science Activities (CTSA)

Osama Abulseoud, M.D., and Naveen Pereira, M.D., have joined the Center for Translational Science Activities (CTSA) as 2011 KL2 Mentored Career Development Program scholars.

With protected research time and the opportunity to pursue a paid postdoctoral master's degree, Drs. Abulseoud and Pereira join a diverse group of scholars seeking to establish independent translational research careers. While unique in their research interests, the scholars share a common desire to make contributions that improve health and/or health care delivery, and believe Mayo Clinic creates the ideal atmosphere in which to grow in their fields.

For example, Dr. Abulseoud hopes to use Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) to find a new treatment for certain, difficult-to-treat, cases of alcoholism. He cites Mayo Clinic's multidisciplinary and collegial atmosphere as the reason he thinks successful translational research can occur here. "Mayo Clinic is the perfect place for this to happen because it brings together the best minds in addiction psychiatry, molecular pharmacology, neurosurgery, and biomedical engineering to work as a team in order to enhance our knowledge of how best to address the patient's needs." His mentors are Mark Frye, M.D., Doo-Sup Choi, Ph.D., and Kendall Lee, M.D., Ph.D.

Dr. Pereira's research focuses on individualized medicine, specifically in the area of pharmacogenomics — the science that tries to identify and compensate for genetic differences in individuals, which result in varied responses to a single drug. Dr. Pereira is studying the natiuretic peptide system in order to find ways to identify individualized biomarkers of common diseases like hypertension and heart failure. He will be mentored by Richard Weinshilboum, M.D., Margaret Redfield, M.D., Suzette Bielinski, Ph.D.

Both scholars will commence their funded research July 1.

Read more about these and other KL2 scholars

The KL2 Mentored Career Development Program at Mayo Clinic is a three-year research program funded by the CTSA. It is designed to guide individuals toward independent clinical research careers. Letters of intent are due August 15 for the 2012 KL2 Program.

Contact Shelly Hewlett, CTSA Postdoctoral Education Coordinator, for more information or visit the KL2 admissions Web page.

• March 31, 2011
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