Advancement of multidisciplinary education and research in translational sciences: MERITS program development at Duke University

IntroductionThe Duke Multidisciplinary Education and Research in Translational Sciences Program provides educational resources for faculty and trainees in translational research.MethodsTo aid in program development, we assessed perceptions of translational science through focus groups targeting different career stages.ResultsIn total, 3 essential themes emerged: collaboration, movement toward application, and public health impact. Facilitators and barriers varied among groups.ConclusionTraining programs must provide specific strategies for collaboration and selectively accelerating discoveries to therapies.