Table 2 Description of training program models

The Clinical Research Investigator Skills Development Program at the University of Florida Regional Center (CRISDP–UFRC) [6]

The Clinical Research Investigator Skills Development Program at the University of Florida Regional Center (CRISDP–UFRC) provides trainees with the opportunity to gain skills in cardiovascular regenerative medicine [6]. The training program is open to cardiovascular medicine and surgery fellows, and those from other cardiovascular-related disciplines [6]. This program employs both a didactic and mentored laboratory experience as a part of its learning model [6]. Trainees are enrolled in a course series focusing on the basic sciences of stem cells and regenerative medicine, taught by departmental faculty [6]. This is coupled with practical training under the guidance of technical mentors [6]. Eligible mentors are expert scientists with a background in cardiac stem cell, stem cell precursors, mesenchymal stem cell progenitors, and cell delivery biology [6]. Trainees are assessed on adequate completion of coursework, documented scientific progress, and future acquisition of academic positions [6]

The Regenerative Medicine and Surgery Course at Mayo Clinic [7]

The Regenerative Medicine and Surgery Course at Mayo Clinic was created with the goal of increasing student literacy of and interest in regenerative medicine concepts [7]. Participants in the program include 1st, 2nd, and 4th year medical students, graduate students (Ph.D and MD/Ph.D), PGY-1 and 2 internal medicine residents, and research fellows [11]. Trainees participate in a series of didactic lectures focused on regenerative medicine principles, daily briefings on clinical trials to understand regenerative approaches within the clinic, laboratory experiences in stem cell culturing and 3D bioprinting, cadaver demonstrations of surgical procedures, and a regenerative medicine career panel [7]. The laboratory demonstrations are conducted by a multidisciplinary team of faculty members from sports medicine, cardiology, plastic surgery, orthopedic surgery, and otolaryngology [7]. To ensure trainees are meeting the learning objectives, assessment is conducted via online tests and simulated clinical exams [7]

The Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute (ISCI) at the University of Miami Medical School through NHLBI [9]

The Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute (ISCI) at the University of Miami Medical School trains fellows with the goal of developing a skill set in stem cells and regenerative pathway research techniques [9]. One component of the training program is a basic science research experience, under the mentorship of ISCI faculty, to learn stem cell culture and molecular biology techniques along with good manufacturing practice for stem cells [9]. The Department of Radiology faculty provide training in imaging modality training, including acquisition and analysis [9]. Also, trainees obtain extensive training from interventional cardiologists on the delivery and assessment of molecular therapies in animal models monitored for cardiovascular dynamics [9]. Lastly, trainees complete courses on how to conduct clinical trials [9]. Trainee assessment occurs through team discussions, laboratory meetings and presentations, and study progress [9]

The Berlin-Brandenburg School for Regenerative Therapies (BSRT) [8]

The Berlin-Brandenburg School for Regenerative Therapies (BSRT) utilizes a three-pronged approach to train its scholars [8]. Medical students are eligible for the junior clinical scientist program that spans the four years of their undergraduate medical education [8]. Students participate in summer courses and research preparation for the nine-month dedicated research term that follows, during their studies [8]. Exemplary completion of this program provides the opportunity for further training through the clinical scientist program [8]. In the clinical scientist program, future clinical scientists are enrolled in the PhD program and receive funding to start their own research [8]. Lastly, for the PhD biology and engineering students, BSRT offers clinical exposure in both a hospital and outpatient setting, for a needs assessment and opportunity to understand the application of their studies [8]

The Canadian Stem Cell Network (SCN) [10]

The Canadian Stem Cell Network (SCN) was established in 2001 and promotes stem cell research, with the goal of training future stem cell scientists [10]. Trainees within this network can include undergraduate and graduate students, from both medical and non-medical backgrounds, research associates, and postdoctoral fellows [10]. The network provides its trainees with a variety of opportunities to garner knowledge and skills within the field: workshops, seminars, leadership opportunities within committees, a platform to network with other professionals, and education on policy and ethics surrounding stem cells [10]. A 2015 focus group study of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows conducted on SCN trainees indicated that a majority remained in an academic setting, while fewer moved to the industry, private, or government sectors [10]

Proposed Model [12]

The proposed model suggests a one-year fellowship in stem cell-based regenerative medicine that can follow residency programs, like internal medicine, surgery, or hematology/oncology [12]. Trainees would receive education on ethics, regulations, basics of cell biology, and stem cell-specific techniques [12]. With hematology/oncology being the only current field qualified in delivering hematopoietic stem cell therapies, such a fellowship program would be established in conjunction with an institution’s internal medicine department and taught by hematology/oncology faculty [12]. Ultimately, successful completion of this program would lead to certification in “regenerative and cellular medicine” [12]