Senior Clinical Research Fellowships
Objectives and Key Features
Goal
To provide focused education and advanced training in the fundamental skills of clinical investigation in the setting of an intensive, mentored learning experience to help prepare subspecialty fellows for a career in patient-oriented research.
Objectives
- Advance knowledge in the particular subspecialty area through patient-oriented research
- Acquire technical competency and skills in study design and protocol development
- Acquire demonstrated expertise in biostatistics and other tools necessary for complex data analysis
- Acquire competency in the areas related to ethical and regulatory issues in the conduct of clinical research involving the participation of human subjects
- Acquire direct experience with and develop strategies for the collection and management of research data
- Acquire first-hand knowledge regarding the organization and function of a multidisciplinary research team (investigators, nurse practitioners, study coordinators, pharmacists, statisticians, informationists)
Key Features of the Program
- Matriculation into the NIH-Duke Clinical Research Training Program that culminates in the awarding of a Masters Degree in Clinical Research
- Mentored project and protocol development in an area of mutual interest to the Fellow, Mentor, and Institute in addition to meeting Masters Program requirements
- Core Curriculum that includes didactic lectures, invited speaker series, journal clubs, scientific meetings/conferences, and other training courses
- Protected time for clinical research with modest clinical service responsibilities
- Interactions with representatives of the pharmaceutical-biotechnology industry and with regulatory authorities such as the FDA
- Skills acquisition in grant writing to prepare highly competitive applications for funding support through various government agencies, private foundations, and pharmaceutical-biotechnology industry
- Acquisition of skills, competence, and experience upon successful completion of the Program that would be highly competitive for an academic faculty position. This would also include the potential for a staff appointment (Staff Clinician or Tenure-track) in the NIDDK intramural program.
Target Audience/Eligibility
Physician-scientists (those holding MD and/or MD/PhD) who have already completed two-three years of specialty training in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery, Pathology, or Radiology or subspecialty training in either Adult or Pediatric (a) Endocrinology and Metabolism, (b) Gastroenterology and Hepatology, (c) Nephrology, or (d) Hematology and are, therefore, Board-certified or Board-eligible.
Candidates may have received their training through accredited programs at either (a) outside teaching institutions such as academic medical centers or (b) Institutes and Centers within the NIH.
Application Process/Selection Committee
A central Review-Selection Committee has been set up to accept applications and evaluate the credentials of candidates for admission to the Program. The Selection Committee will also serve to help match suitable candidates to the most appropriate clinical research mentors. After an initial screening process, highly promising applicants will be invited to NIDDK for one-two days of interviews during which time they will meet with several prospective mentors, participants in the Duke Masters Program, and others who are familiar with all facets of the clinical research enterprise at NIDDK and at the NIH as well. During these visits, applicants should emerge with a clear picture of the broad scope of the clinical research infrastructure, the richness of the training environment, and the potential for research collaborations/interactions. Final acceptance into the Program will be contingent upon identification of a mentor, favorable recommendation by the full Selection Committee, and approval by the Scientific Director.
NIH-Duke University Clinical Research Training Program
The Duke University Clinical Research Training Program is designed primarily for clinical fellows who are training for careers in clinical research. The program offers formal courses in research design, research management, and statistical analysis. Successful completion of the program leads to a Master of Health Sciences in Clinical Research, a professional degree awarded by the School of Medicine at Duke University. Designed for part-time study, the program can be integrated into the trainee’s clinical research agenda.
