Program Overview

Training in Research in Integrative Medicine (TRIM) Program

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).

Objective

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.

Program Activities

• Research: Fellows spend the majority of their time conducting research.
• 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.

Details, Eligibility, and Application Process

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.
• The fellowship includes a stipend of $28,778, 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.

Application Process

1. Complete a brief inquiry form to receive a link to our online application, then review the list of TRIM faculty accepting predocs.
2. Complete our online application form, and submit it along 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, Thursday, January 8, 2026.
3. Phone/Zoom interviews with program leadership and faculty mentor.

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.

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.
• Optional: Have prior experience performing research and an initial record of peer-reviewed publications.

Application Process

1. 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.
2. Selected applicants will be invited to interviews with program leadership.

TRIM Program Co-Directors

Shelley R. Adler, PhD

Director, Osher Foundation Distinguished Professor of Integrative Health

Maria T. Chao, DrPH, MPA

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

Testimonials

• Adriana Eslamian, Predoctoral Research Fellow (TRIM), Internal Medicine Resident Physician, St. Joseph's Medical Center, Stockton, CA
• Chelsea Siwik, PhD, Postdoctoral Research Fellow (TRIM), Faculty, Cleveland Clinic, Department Wellness and Preventative Medicine
• George Yeung, MD, Postdoctoral Research Fellow (TRIM), Internal Medicine Resident Physician, Medical City, Hospital Arlington, TX
• Chanda Williams, PhD, C-YIAT, Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Current), Osher Center for Integrative Health

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. The program is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and supportive environment for its faculty, students, and academic community, and encourages applications from scholars who bring a broad range of perspectives.