The HEAL Initiative Partnerships to Advance INterdisciplinary (PAIN) Training Program, funded through the T90/R90 mechanism, offers interdisciplinary training to postdoctoral scholars dedicated to careers in pain and addiction research. This program integrates diverse scientific disciplines, fostering a collaborative research environment designed to advance pain science, develop innovative treatments, and translate discoveries into clinical practice.
Participants in the HEAL PAIN Cohort Program gain access to comprehensive mentorship, career development resources, and hands-on research opportunities. These elements prepare trainees to contribute meaningfully to the HEAL Initiative’s mission: improving pain management and addressing the challenges of addiction. Through a focus on collaboration and innovation, this program empowers researchers to drive impactful advancements in the field.
As part of this initiative, WashU Medicine hosts the Promoting Excellence through Pain and Addiction Research Enhancement (PREPARE) T90/R90 Training Program. PREPARE uniquely emphasizes the critical role of social determinants of health (SDOH) in chronic pain and substance use disorder research. SDOH encompasses the conditions in which individuals are born, grow, live, work, and age, as well as systemic inequities that contribute to disparities in outcomes across the U.S.
The PREPARE program trains independent investigators to explore the biopsychosocial mechanisms—particularly the social factors—driving chronic pain and substance use disorders. Participants design clinical interventions to alleviate pain and reduce substance use, striving to improve outcomes and close gaps in care.
- Each of the postdoctoral training centers will support:
- 4 postdoctoral trainees who meet criteria for the NRSA program (also called T90 trainees).
- 1 postdoctoral participant who does not meet the qualifications for support under the NRSA program (also called a R90 participant). This would include researchers who are NOT U.S. citizens.
- T90 trainees and R90 participants will receive support for 2-3 years.
- The T90/R90 Trainees/Participants must be in a clinical program or demonstrate an interest in clinical pain research.
- Potential Trainees/Participants applying to be trained at one of the T90/R90 centers will be required to submit a personal statement demonstrating their interest and promise in clinical pain research.
- Potential Trainees/Participants may come from a traditional or non-traditional pain research field.
To apply to the PREPARE Program, please contact Burel Goodin at burel@wustl.edu or visit painresearchers.com to learn more and connect with all T90/R90 sites.
The Positively Uniting Researchers of Pain to Opine, Synthesize, and Engage (PURPOSE) Network enhances the national scope of the HEAL PAIN Cohort Program by connecting postdoctoral trainees from T90/R90-funded centers. This network facilitates collaboration, resource sharing, and the development of a cohesive cohort experience. Additionally, trainees will participate in an annual meeting organized by the PURPOSE Network, offering opportunities to engage with peers and leading researchers. To learn more about the PURPOSE Network and the national HEAL PAIN Program, visit the T90/R90 HEAL PAIN Researcher Cohort Program website.