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Call for applications MCRC for Rheumatic Diseases in African-Americans Pilot Projects MUSC directs one of nine Multidisciplinary Clinical Research Centers (MCRC) funded by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculo-skeletal and Skin Diseases.     One component of this center supports the MCRC Pilot Project Program, a one-year program that provides support for pilot projects (up to $50,000) in patient-oriented research for graduate or post-graduate students, or junior faculty from MUSC or other institutions.     Eligible applicants must be an investigator or co-investigator who has not yet received R01 funding. The pilot studies should be designed as a vehicle to collect preliminary data for a subsequent competitive application (e.g. R03, R01, and K-awards).     The focus of the pilot research should be  patient-oriented research on rheumatic diseases with an emphasis on health disparities affecting under represented minorities. Examples of rheumatic disease research areas supported include (but are not limited to): systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, polymyositis, dermato-myositis, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis.  Patient-oriented research includes: (a) mechanisms of human disease; (b) therapeutic interventions; (c) clinical trials; (d) development of new technologies; (e) epidemiologic and behavioral studies; and (f) outcomes research and health services research.     Applications must be submitted by Sept. 15 and must include: (1) a research proposal (maximum of three pages) containing a statement of the problem (including specific aims and background/rationale), methods to be used, anticipated results, and discussion of how planned efforts will lead to future funding; (2) a Biographical Sketch for the investigator on the standard PHS 398 form; (3) a one-page signed letter from the applicant summarizing career develop-ment plans and committing to set aside a half-day per week for career development activities on site at MUSC; and (4) budget and justification.     The MCRC Steering Committee, chaired by Richard Silver, M.D., will serve as the review committee, and will select those to receive funding by Dec. 15.    Send application materials to: Richard M. Silver, M.D., MUSC, 96 Jonathan Lucas Street, Rm 912 CSB, P.O. Box 250637, Charleston, S.C., 29425. Questions should be directed to Ann Donaldson at 843-792-2009 or donaldsa@musc.edu     Applications from racial/ethnic minority individuals and women and persons with disabilities are encouraged.         Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.