Dr. Michael Pulia joined the Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR) as co-director of the KL2 Scholars Program. He helps lead the program alongside the current co-directors, Dr. Marin Schweizer and Dr. Bo Liu.
The KL2 Program supports early-career translational research faculty by providing protected time, mentorship, and tailored curricula to help them grow into independent researchers. Over the past 20 years, 92 ICTR-supported KL2 scholars have collectively secured nearly $1 billion in funding from the NIH, state, foundation, and local agencies. Of that total, NIH awards account for approximately $832 million. Many ICTR KL2 scholars have gone on to lead major research initiatives and train the next generation of UW translational researchers, making a profound impact on the health of Wisconsin.
Dr. Pulia will collaborate with the other co-directors to help shape the future of the KL2 program, focusing primarily on mentoring program scholars pursuing a clinician-scientist career path. As a successful clinician-scientist who has transitioned from a 5-year K award to an independent R01 award and has secured additional broad funding support, Dr. Pulia brings valuable insights into this career pathway. He has also mentored over 40 trainees across the spectrum of undergraduates, medical students, residents, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows, showing a passion for mentorship and education.
Dr. Pulia is an associate professor with tenure in the BerbeeWalsh Department of Emergency Medicine with 20 years of clinical experience in the emergency department. He leads the Emergency Care for Infectious Diseases research program, which focuses on improving infectious disease diagnosis, infection control, and antimicrobial stewardship in the emergency department and downstream care settings.
We’re excited to welcome Dr. Pulia to ICTR and believe that his background will be a valuable asset to the KL2 scholars.