Training in Research in Integrative Medicine (TRIM) Program

Pre- and Postdoctoral Fellowships

The UCSF Osher Center’s Training in Research in Integrative Medicine (TRIM) program is a research fellowship funded by a T32 grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Since its inception in 2007, the TRIM program has been highly successful in producing accomplished research scientists. 53% of the postdoctoral fellows associated with our program have received prestigious NIH mentored training grants (K awards).

The objective of the TRIM program is to train outstanding pre- and postdoctoral behavioral and social scientists, physicians, and other qualified health professionals to design and conduct rigorous clinical research so that they can become innovative, independent investigators and scholars in integrative medicine research. Predoctoral students must be currently enrolled in a doctoral degree program. Postdoctoral students must complete their degree prior to the start of the program.

The UCSF Osher Center is committed to reflecting this diversity in our faculty, students, and other academic personnel. We encourage applications from diverse scholars, especially those who have been systematically and historically underrepresented. Learn more about our vision, mission, and values here.

The TRIM program leverages UCSF's extensive research training infrastructure and robust, collaborative biomedical research enterprise. Fellows join an interdisciplinary integrative medicine center with strong programs in research, clinical practice, and education. Faculty mentors provide support and rigorous training in clinical research methodologies, including clinical trial design and advanced biostatistics.

Program Activities

Research: Fellows spend the majority of their time conducting research. More details below.

Coursework: All TRIM fellows take Designing Clinical Research and Responsible Conduct of Research.

TRIM Seminars: Every month fellows gather for educational seminars presented by faculty on a variety of topics.

Works-in-Progress (WIP): Every month fellows gather with faculty to present research and provide feedback on each other’s research.

Journal Club: Fellows and invited guests meet four times during the year to discuss a paper in depth.

Writing Retreat: Fellows participate in a three-day offsite writing retreat each fall and spring. The program covers the cost of room and board.

Research Seminars: This bimonthly series features experts in integrative medicine research and is open to the entire Osher Center and UCSF community.

Faculty Mentors and Research Community

Trainees work directly with a faculty of renowned researchers, all of whom are independent investigators with a track record of mentoring. Trainees are matched with a primary faculty mentor and additionally receive direct guidance from numerous other expert investigators.

Osher Center faculty serve as core mentors. Additional UCSF faculty engaged in either integrative medicine or other relevant clinical research serve as affiliated mentors. Faculty members represent diverse disciplines, including anthropology, biology, biostatistics, education, health services research, medical ethics, medicine, neuroscience, psychology, psychoneuroendocrinology, and women’s health. Osher Center clinicians are also available to provide technical assistance and consultation on specific integrative medicine approaches that trainees may be interested in studying.

Monthly TRIM Seminars include trainees from across the Osher Collaborative for Integrative Health. Trainees connect with peers from across UCSF through shared coursework, including Designing Clinical Research and Responsible Conduct of Research.

Details, Eligibility, and Application Process

The call for applications for 2024 positions has closed. We will be opening a call for 2025 positions in Fall 2024. If you have any questions about the program or are interested in receiving the application, please complete this brief inquiry form.

Predoctoral Research Fellowship

The TRIM predoctoral fellowship supports an intensive year of research activity and training for medical students taking a research year and PhD students in the biological or social sciences. Each predoctoral fellow works closely with a research mentor on an existing research project(s)*. Trainees develop their own projects, such as a secondary analysis or a sub-study, with the goal of publishing work as the first author or presenting at a national conference by the completion of the fellowship period. Applicants must contact the research faculty they are interested in working with before applying to the program.

The fellowship includes a stipend of $27,144 with additional funds available to cover health coverage. Fellows also receive funds for travel, research supplies, and tuition for research-related coursework. Most predoctoral fellows devote one full year to the fellowship, although an extension may be granted in selected cases.

Eligibility

Applicants must be participants in a qualifying PhD or MD/DO program, or a doctoral degree program in a designated integrative health field (such as acupuncture).
Applicants must be a United States citizen, a non-citizen national, or a foreign national possessing a visa permitting permanent US residence.
Applicants must be able to devote the majority of their time to fellowship-related work.
Applicants from diverse backgrounds especially those systematically and historically underrepresented or from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with a desire to serve culturally diverse and medically underserved populations and who are committed to working on issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, are strongly encouraged to apply. See Notice on NIH’s Interest in Diversity for details regarding NIH diversity eligibility.

Application Process
To inquire about eligibility and to receive application materials, complete this brief inquiry form.

Applying for a TRIM predoctoral position is a two-step process.

During our open call, applicants complete our online application form and submit it with a one-page personal statement (single-spaced, 11-point font) and a Resume/CV. Additionally, two letters of support must be received by the application deadline.
Selected applicants will be invited to interview with program leadership.

We support a comprehensive application review, considering all elements of the application for admission. Decisions are made independent of GRE scores, which are not required. The Osher Center welcomes learners with a diversity of lived experiences.

* In some cases, we allow students to work on an ongoing project unrelated to ongoing research at the Osher Center; please contact the program coordinator if you would like to submit a project abstract for consideration.

Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

The TRIM postdoctoral program is a two or three-year fellowship that prepares participants for an academic, research-oriented career. Postdoctoral fellows’ time is primarily devoted to conducting research, typically for a project that they have initiated themselves.

The fellowship provides an annual stipend, health coverage, plus funds for tuition for related coursework. For general information about being a postdoctoral fellow at UCSF, please visit the UCSF Office for Postdoctoral Scholars website.

Eligibility

Applicants must have a doctoral degree (e.g., MD, DO, PhD, DOM/DAOM/DACM, DC, ND, DrPH, PharmD).
Applicants must be a United States citizen, a non-citizen national, or a foreign national possessing a visa permitting permanent US residence.
Applicants must be able to devote the majority of their time to fellowship-related work.
Applicants from diverse backgrounds, especially those systematically and historically underrepresented or from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with a desire to serve culturally diverse and medically underserved populations and who are committed to working on issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, are strongly encouraged to apply. See Notice on NIH’s Interest in Diversity for details regarding NIH diversity eligibility.
Optional: Have prior experience performing research and an initial record of peer-reviewed publications.

Application Process

To inquire about eligibility or to request to be notified once the next call opens, complete this brief inquiry form.

Applying for a TRIM postdoctoral position is a two-step process.

During our open call, applicants complete our online application form that includes, CV (in our T32 application format specified), a professional statement/proposal, and a writing sample. Additionally, three letters of support must be received by the application deadline.
Selected applicants will be invited to interviews with program leadership.

We support a comprehensive application review, considering all elements of the application for admission. Decisions are made independent of GRE scores which are not required. The Osher Center welcomes learners with a diversity of lived experiences.

TRIM Program Co-Directors

Shelley R. Adler, PhD

Director, Osher Foundation Distinguished Professor of Integrative Health

Learn More

Maria T. Chao, DrPH, MPA

Interim Director of Research, Associate Director for Health Equity and Diversity, Associate Director of Clinical Research and Analytics

Learn More

I can’t say enough good things about TRIM. The exceptional quality of the mentors, peers, and environment coalesced into an ideal postdoctoral training experience. TRIM gave me the resources, support, and mentorship I needed to fill key gaps in my training and prepare me for a faculty position in academic medicine.

Chelsea Siwik, PhD, Postdoctoral Research Fellow (TRIM 2020-2023)
Faculty, Cleveland Clinic, Department Wellness and Preventative Medicine

Participating in the TRIM program reinforced my dedication to being a physician-scientist. I have a better understanding of how clinical trials work including aspects of study design, protocol, recruitment, and implementation of the intervention phase and maintenance phase.

George Yeung, MD, Postdoctoral Research Fellow (TRIM 2020-2022)
Internal Medicine Resident Physician, Medical City, Hospital Arlington, TX.

I've had the privilege of experiencing unparalleled support and training in qualitative research methodologies. The interdisciplinary nature of the fellowship has allowed me to engage with diverse perspectives and integrate them into my work, ultimately enhancing the quality and impact of my research endeavors. I especially appreciate the program's emphasis on integrative health equity to increase access for diverse populations.

Chanda Williams, PhD, C-YIAT, Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Current)
Osher Center for Integrative Health

I was in my third year of medical school when I started the TRIM fellowship. I worked on a study where I got to publish as second author. The skills and knowledge I gained from the fellowship made me stronger applicant for residency. I recommend the TRIM fellowship to anyone who wants to learn more about the field of integrative medicine and participate in impactful medical research.

Adriana Eslamian, Predoctoral Research Fellow (TRIM 2022-2023)
Internal Medicine Resident Physician, St. Joseph's Medical Center, Stockton, CA