Raymond Dionne, DDS, PhD, Laboratory of Symptom Management, NINR:

Women's Health Research Training Opportunities in the NINR

The National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) conducts clinical and translational research to establish a scientific basis for the care of individuals across the life-span from management of patients during illness and recovery to the reduction of risks for diseases and disability, promotion of healthy lifestyles, promotion of quality of life in those with chronic illness and care of individuals at the end of life. According to this broad mandate, the Institute seeks to understand and ease the symptoms of acute and chronic illness, to prevent or delay the onset of disease or disability or slow its progression, and to improve the clinical setting in which care is provided. The NINR accomplishes its mission by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure a comprehensive approach to research, including the special needs of women across the life span. NINR intramural investigations, with an interdisciplinary, patient-focused approach to human health and illness, are particularly suited to the research environment on the NIH campus. The unique clinical research facilities offer diverse opportunities for professional exchange and collaboration on questions related to patient care and quality of life. These studies also provide training opportunities that acquaint scientists with the research and clinical strategies employed by investigators in nursing research.

Research training opportunities in the NINR Intramural Research Program include:

• Gender and genetic differences that contribute to symptoms that limit adherence to chemotherapy treatments.
• Genetic factors that influence the perception of pain and the response of certain pain relievers in women.
• Gender differences that modify a patient's response to therapeutics.
• Evaluating quality of life during breast cancer treatment and at end of life to balance the use of aggressive treatments in favor of high quality comfort care in conditions that are terminal.

These gender and genetic-oriented studies, the unique clinical research facilities of the NIH Clinical Research Center, and the patient-focused approach to human health and disease is particularly well-suited for research training and career development to prepare individuals with requisite skills to conduct nursing research in an interdisciplinary setting.