The Graduate Program in Cardiovascular Sciences
Interest in the genetics and molecular biology of the cardiovascular system has steadily increased over the past thirty years. More individuals die of cardiovascular disease than any other cause, and it is clear that the level of disease is epidemic in proportion. In order to approach treatment in an efficient manner, a thorough understanding of the cardiovascular system from structural, biochemical, biophysical and molecular perspectives is desirable. The development of such an understanding requires a multidiscipline approach to training and experimentation.
Baylor College of Medicine has developed unique capabilities in basic research aspects of cardiovascular disease. Through the years, research activities have been closely correlated with clinical activities and as a result, this cooperative approach offers a unique opportunity for basic science training coupled to the observation and management of various cardiovascular diseases. Such direction is manifested in the DeBakey Heart Center and it is within this context that this program is presented. BCM hopes to afford to those aspiring to academic careers in basic science the opportunity to obtain foundations in techniques and current directions as they relate to the cardiovascular system.
The graduate program is interdisciplinary and concentrated in the area of cardiovascular biology. Thus, all the specific techniques eminating from basic "classical" disciplines such as biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, physiology, and pharmacology are well represented within the expertise of the faculty. Indeed, all of the faculty have appointments in at least one of the basic science departments of the school.
The goal of the program is to train a student to become knowledgeable in the range of fundamental expertise necessary to develop a well focused study within the broad discipline of cardiovascular biology.
Present research directions range from mechanisms and etiology of various cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, congestive heart failure, ischemia and hypertension to an in depth study of normal control mechanisms of cardiac, skeletal and vascular function at a variety of levels from "genes to organisms".
In general, the application of specific types of basic procedures has led to important developments in the approach to studying cardiovascular diseases. Development of understanding of cardiovascular disease requires a broad approach consisting of both basic and directed aspects of research. The Graduate Program in Cardiovascular Sciences provides the student unique opportunities of establishing relevance to very basic fundamental research directions.