The University of Louisville School of Medicine was selected as one of only nine nationwide site partners to host the 2023 Robert A. Winn Diversity in Clinical Trials: Clinical Investigator Pathway Program (Winn CIPP). Led by La Creis Kidd, PhD, MPH, assistant dean of Research Diversity, this summer service-learning externship is designed to expose talented medical students of diverse backgrounds to community-engaged clinical and translational research. Co-investigators and champions of this program include Dr. V. Faye Jones, Dr. Christopher Seals, Dr. Barbara Clark, Dr. Susan Sawning, Sharon Gordon and Dr. Dwayne Compton.

“We could not be more thrilled to be selected as a site partner for the Winn CIPP,” said Kidd. “This program brings great opportunity for our research and training opportunities for the next generation of clinical scientist at the University of Louisville.”

The Winn CIPP offers a distinctive approach to increasing diversity in clinical trials by offering medical students a six-week intensive and immersive summer service-learning experience in underserved communities where underrepresented patients receive care. Pathway students gain exposures to clinical research, acquire community engagement and leadership skills, and are mentored by early-stage clinical investigators participating in the Winn Career Development Award (CDA).

In addition to Louisville, Winn CIPP Site Partners are located in the following cities: Chicago, IL, New Orleans, LA, New York, NY, Richmond, VA, Atlanta, GA, Los Angeles, CA, San Antonio, Tx, and Seattle, WA.

As a site partner, the School of Medicine commits to providing immersive community-based experiences in clinical trial research to four rising second-year medical students from various medical schools in the U.S. who are committed to increasing inclusion, equity, and diversity in the conduct of clinical and translational research. Each medical student scholar receives a $7,500 stipend to cover travel, living and lodging expenses during the six-week service-learning period.

Winn CIPP scholars that are currently training at the School of Medicine from June 5 to July 14 include:

1. Yosef Ansarizadeh, DO Candidate, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth – Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, Faculty Mentors: Dr. Redman and Dr. Kidd.
2. Iyabo Erinkitola, MD Candidate, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Faculty  Mentor: Dr. Vatsalya Vatsalya
3. Brianna Guillen, MD Candidate, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, Faculty Mentor: Dr. Martin
4. Brian Wadugu, MD Candidate, Carle Illinois College of Medicine, Faculty Mentor: Dr. Kellen Choi

“Being awarded the WINN CIPP fellowship at the Louisville site has been so positive for my professional development at this stage of my medical career,” said Erinkitola. “The University of Louisville School of Medicine has provided an abundance of support and encouragement as I learn to screen patients for more equitable clinical trials, perform biostatistics for relevant biologic investigations, and sharpen my goals in medical science.”