Moving Morehouse School of Medicine Translation Tx Research through MDTTs-Multidisciplinary Translational Teams

Abstract

Morehouse School of Medicine (SOM) works to achieve its vision of advancing health equity through conducting transformational, translation science (T^x). T^x describes our translational research continuum, symbolizing a method and scientific philosophy that intentionally promotes and supports convergence of interdisciplinary approaches and scientists to stimulate exponential advances for the health of diverse communities. Morehouse SOM actualizes T^x through multidisciplinary translational teams (MDTTs). We chronicle the identification of MDTTs by documenting formation, composition, functioning, successes, failures, and sustainability. Data and information were collected through key informant interviews, review of research documents, workshops, and community events. Our scan identified 16 teams that meet our Morehouse SOM definition of an MDTT. These team science workgroups cross basic science, clinical, and public health academic departments, and include community partners and student learners. We present four MDTTs, in various stages of progress, at Morehouse SOM and how they are advancing translational research.

Keywords: community participatory research; health equity; multidisciplinary teams; translational research.