Pediatric Research
Training Program
Cultivating the next generation of pediatric researchers through comprehensive education, mentorship, and hands-on research experience — from high school through post-doctoral fellowship.
Program Highlights
Our program offers a comprehensive training experience designed to develop the skills, knowledge, and professional network needed for a successful research career in pediatric medicine.
Real Research from Day One
PRTP trainees formulate hypotheses, design studies, analyze data, prepare manuscripts, and present findings at scientific meetings.
Expert Mentorship
Pediatric physicians and scientists across specialties serve as primary and secondary research mentors, expanding institutional research culture.
Comprehensive Curriculum
A rigorous, evidence-based core curriculum covering research design, biostatistics, ethics, scientific writing, grant writing, and career development.
Full Training Pipeline
A true pipeline reaching learners at every stage — from high school students through post-doctoral fellows — across 7+ university partnerships.
A Program Built to Transform Pediatric Medicine
Cook Children's Health Care System has been nurturing the next generation of physician-scientists and researchers for over a decade. The Pediatric Research Training Program (PRTP), officially established as its own division in December 2024, is the formalized engine behind that mission.
The PRTP provides structured, mentored research experiences for students from high school through post-doctoral fellowship — with a bold 2025–2029 Strategic Plan positioning it to become a national model for pediatric research education.
"Through research, students can actually contribute to advancements in the field and have immediate impact on patients. I love being part of making that happen."Read More About the Program
Proven Outcomes
Since 2013, PRTP trainees have consistently produced measurable scholarly output — far outpacing programs of comparable size.
National & International Conference Presentations
Alumni present original pediatric research findings to physician-scientist audiences across the country, building careers and elevating Cook Children's profile.
Peer-Reviewed Publications
Student-led manuscripts published in recognized medical journals, contributing directly to the scientific evidence base for child health.
Research Awards
Multiple trainee award recipients at regional and national symposia, including 1st Place E-Poster Awards at the Texas Society of Pediatrics.
University Partnerships
Active collaborations with TCU School of Medicine, UNTHSC, and UTA — diversifying the trainee pipeline.
>95% Trainee Satisfaction
Over 95% of trainees report satisfaction with their mentorship experience, reflecting the program's deep commitment to individualized guidance.
Trainees Return as Leaders
Program alumni return to Cook Children's as clinicians, researchers, and mentors — strengthening the institution's research culture for future generations.
News & Announcements
PRTP Established as Formal Division
The Pediatric Research Training Program was officially established as its own division within Cook Children's Division of Research Administration.
Read MoreBold Five-Year Growth Plan Launched
The PRTP's 2025–2029 Strategic Plan charts a course to grow from 100 trainees to 500–750 annually, with expanded university partnerships and new program tracks.
Read MoreRISE High School Immersion Program Coming
The RISE program will bring high school students into immersive pediatric research experiences, extending the PRTP pipeline to the earliest learners.
Read MoreReady to Advance Your Research Career?
Join a thriving, inclusive research community at Cook Children's where every trainee — regardless of background or level — has the mentorship, resources, and opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to pediatric medicine.