
Postdoctoral trainees will perform experiments using classical physiological models such as determinants of bile secretion in the isolated perfused skate liver, mechanisms of organic anion transport and calcium signaling in isolated hepatocytes, studies of the enterohepatic circulation in everted gut sacs from skate and hagfish, mechanisms of diarrhea with chloride secretion from the shark rectal gland and gastric section in the frog stomach. Confocal microscopy will be used in isolated cell preparations to follow excretion of organic anions and calcium signaling. Modern molecular biology approaches will be used to identify specific transport proteins and bioinformatic approaches will be used to analyze respective genes and gene sets, including mutations which disrupt these processes and result in clinical disease.
Fellows will benefit from close interactions with senior investigators in Liver and GI physiology and pathophysiology who will guide them through the performance of the experiments, share meals, and take the time to discuss their career goals. Fellows will benefit enormously by working closely with other fellows from different programs and sharing their insights into Liver and GI research.
The course is organized around several laboratory modules, including in-depth bioinformatics components, and separate sessions on “Responsible Conduct of Research” and “How to write a paper and get it accepted in Hepatology or Gastroenterology.”
- Organic anion transport and secretion – determinants of bile formation
- Physiologic Imaging in liver cells and tissues
- Enterohepatic circulation
- Mechanisms of Intestinal secretion
- Mechanisms of Gastric secretion
Participants will complete three of the rotations over the six-day course. The first day of each rotation involves intensive experimental work, and the second day involves analysis and presentation of the work to the entire conference group.
Tuition
A non-refundable $300 registration fee must be paid by accepted students to reserve their seat.
Tuition for US citizens and permanent residents is covered by grant funds and includes course materials, double occupancy housing, meals, parking, and WiFi. Travel is not included.
Tuition for course participants from outside the US is $3,000.
Partners


Course Director
- James L. Boyer, M.D.Ensign Professor of Medicine; Emeritus Director, Liver CenterYale University School of Medicine
Faculty
- Paul A. Dawson, Ph.D.Professor, Gastroenterology, Department of PediatricsEmory University School of Medicine
- Susan Hagen, Ph.D.Associate Professor, SurgeryHarvard Medical School
- Benjamin L. King, Ph.D.Assistant Professor of BioinformaticsUniversity of Maine
- Michael H. Nathanson, M.D., Ph.D.Gladys Phillips Crofoot Professor of Medicine and Cell BiologyYale University School of Medicine
- Patricio Silva, M.D.Professor of Medicine, Section of Nephrology, Hypertension, and Kidney TransplantationTemple University School of Medicine
Additional Faculty
Yale University
Yale University
Yale University
Yale University
This course’s long term objectives include:
- Enhancing the research capacity of medical residents
- Augmenting their potential as future investigators
- Improving their ability to function as effective educators
- Encouraging them to consider a career in academic hepatology or gastroenterology
- Encouraging them to enroll in fellowship training programs in these disciplines
On-Campus Housing
Included in tuition. Housing is assigned double occupancy. Single rooms may be purchased for an additional cost, subject to availability. Please call 207-288-9880 ext 102 if you have any questions.
Dormitory rooms and shared cottages are all within short walking distance of course activities. Parking is available at the housing units.
Please visit our Housing Website to view our accommodations. Campus Map
This course is supported by a research education grant from Gilead.