Membership in the DDC is open to clinicians and researchers with an interest in digestive diseases research at Baylor College of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center, and MD Anderson Cancer Center. Submit your membership application today!
The DDC has a large and robust research base that continuously evolves while maintaining a stable core. As of January 2024, the DDC has 72 Full Members and 37 Associate Members. View a list of our current members.
Full Member
Full Members (FM) must meet the following criteria: principal investigators on externally, peer-reviewed digestive diseases-related research funding; actively involved in research related to the DDC theme; shown commitment to the DDC community (e.g., collaborating with at least one other DDC member, participating in DDC seminar series, serving in a DDC leadership role, using DDC cores); and respond to surveys and requests for information for progress reports and renewal submissions in a timely fashion.
All core members are key investigators for the DDC and they have three additional criteria: all full members have externally, peer-reviewed GI-related research funding, are actively involved in GI-research related to the theme of the center and have interacted with at least one other key investigator. These members receive the full range of membership benefits including subsidized services from all DDC research cores.
Associate Member
Associate Members (AM) are junior faculty developing their GI research careers or established faculty whose research and expertise complement the theme of our Center; AMs do not have major, contemporaneous DD peer-reviewed funding, including past Pilot Feasibility Awardees who have not yet secured extramural funding. It is expected that AMs will develop their independent research programs and secure extramural funding to further DDC goals and be considered for FM status.
Affiliate Members
Affiliate Members are faculty or other research personnel who would like to receive information about the DDC but are not considered part of the DDC research base. Affiliate members are added to the DDC mailing list and invited to participate in enrichment activities such as seminars, workshops, and annual symposia. To learn more, email the DDC Administrator, Sara Tristan at escamill@bcm.edu.
Application Process
The Internal Advisory Committee of the DDC gives approval for membership on a monthly basis. Membership statuses are reviewed annually. If you have questions about membership or would like to check on the status of your membership application, please contact, Sara Tristan, DDC Administrator at escamill@bcm.edu or (713) 798-3478.
Benefits of Membership
Membership in the DDC has many benefits, including:
- Subsidized services from all DDC cores (Full Members Only)
- Apply for Pilot Feasibility Funds
- Information related to GI research and research opportunities
- Obtain guidance/help with grant applications and research challenges
- Obtain information about new, collaborative studies or methods developed in our cores
Criteria to Maintain DDC Membership
The DDC offers members a variety of benefits to strengthen their digestive diseases research and build their network of collaborators. We ask all DDC members to:
- Participate or conduct research related to the DDC theme.
- Collaborate or engage with at least one other DDC member.
- Attend a DDC enrichment activity, such as our seminar series or symposia.
- Utilize a DDC core.
- Participate in annual surveys and respond to inquiries.
Our membership base is reviewed annually to ensure members remain engaged in the Center. We also look for opportunities to upgrade members when warranted and utilize annual surveys to influence benefits for current members.