Training

OFFICE OF CLINICAL RESEARCH TRAINING AND MEDICAL EDUCATION (CRTME)

http://www.cc.nih.gov/training/gme.html

SUPPLEMENTAL COURSES AND PROGRAMS FOR FELLOWS
http://www.cc.nih.gov/researchers/training.shtml

 

1. Introduction to the Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (IPPCR)

The Introduction to the Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (IPPCR) is a study curriculum on how to effectively conduct clinical research. The IPPCR was established at the NIH Clinical Center, the clinical research hospital of the National Institutes of Health. The program trains researchers in how to design a successful clinical trial by focusing on epidemiologic methods, study design, protocol preparation, patient monitoring, quality assurance and FDA issues. Other areas covered include data management and ethical issues, including protection of human subjects. The course is offered yearly at the Clinical Center in addition to being video-cast (http://videocast.nih.gov). A certificate is awarded upon successful completion of the course and course-related activities, including a passing score on the final exam. This activity will be of interest to physicians and other health professionals training for a career in clinical research.

Course Objectives:

  • To become familiar with the basic epidemiologic methods involved in clinical research;
  • To be able to discuss the principles involved in the ethics of clinical research, the legal issues involved in clinical research, and the regulations involved in human subjects research, including the role of IRBs in clinical research;
  • To become familiar with the principles and issues involved in monitoring patient- oriented research; and,
  • To be able to discuss the infrastructure required in performing clinical research and have an understanding of the steps involved in developing and funding research studies.

The National Institutes of Health/Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences (NIH/FAES) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

For additional information or to register online fellows may visit the course website at http://www.cc.nih.gov/researchers/training/ippcr.shtml, or call the NIH Clinical Center, Office of Clinical Research Training and Medical Education at (301) 496-9425.

2. Translational Research in Clinical Oncology (TRACO)

The NCI Center for Cancer Research offers the Translational Research in Clinical Oncology (TRACO) course annually on the NIH campus in addition to being video-cast. The course is designed for NIH fellows to enhance their knowledge of clinical oncology. Course participants can obtain a certificate of completion of the course after passing a computer-based examination. The course is open to all interested persons without charge. The course syllabus is described in the TRACO web page (http://ccr.cancer.gov/careers/traco.asp) or it is listed in the CCR home page (http://ccr.cancer.gov) under "Courses" in the "Jobs & Fellowships section."

3. Principles of Clinical Pharmacology

The course in Principles of Clinical Pharmacology is based on a series of lectures that cover much of the scientific basis of the bridging discipline of clinical pharmacology. Formal lectures will be supplemented by syllabus material and self-study exercises prepared by the course faculty. The course is meant to complement the Clinical Center's course on Introduction to the Principles and Practice of Clinical Research. Since most medical schools lack a formal course in clinical pharmacology, this course is also designed to assist individuals preparing to take the certifying examinations of the American Board of Clinical Pharmacology and to meet the needs of researchers who have an interest in the clinical pharmacologic aspects of contemporary drug development and utilization.

The course provides an introductory review of pharmacokinetics, drug metabolism and transport, assessment of drug effects, drug therapy in special populations, and contemporary drug development (http://www.cc.nih.gov/training/training/principles.html). The course is offered yearly at the NIH Clinical Center and runs from September through April, one evening a week. Registration for this course can be completed online (http://www2.cc.nih.gov/pcp/Registration.aspx). For other additional information fellows can contac435-6618.

4. CC-Duke Training Program in Clinical Research (a collaboration between the NIH Clinical Center and Duke University Medical Center)

Clinical fellows and other health professionals at NIH can apply for acceptance into this program. Successful completion of the training program leads to a Master of Health Sciences in Clinical Research, a professional degree awarded by the Duke University School of Medicine. There is also a non-degree option for qualified students who want to pursue specific areas of interest. Students at NIH "attend classes at Duke" by way of videoconferencing. Some of the course work is taught here at NIH by adjunct faculty.

The curriculum covers the principles of clinical research, including research design, statistical analysis, health economics, research ethics, and research management. Enrollment in this program is limited and applicants need to apply months-in-advance of the program start date. Those persons interested in pursuing this opportunity are encouraged to visit the program's web site at Duke for specifics about the program (http://tpcr.mc.duke.edu/), and/or contact Dr. Eugene Z. Oddone, Director of the Duke program, at tpcr@mc.duke.edu.

5. Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences (FAES) Courses

The Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences (FAES) is a private, non-profit organization that works with NIH to provide courses and other offerings to enhance the overall academic environment of NIH. Since the 1950’s they have taken the lead to organize and support a large number of undergraduate and graduate level courses for anyone who works for or is training at NIH. The majority of the school's faculty is made up of NIH staff, making their specialized knowledge available to a wider audience. Although the primary recipients of the School's programs have always been members of the NIH scientific staff at all levels, courses are also open to other Federal employees and the general public. There are presently over180 offered through FAES, each certified by the Maryland Higher Education Commission. Some may be accepted for credit towards a Master’s and/or PhD degree, although prior arrangements must be made to ensure transfer. The majority of the classes are in the biomedical field. However, there is strong representation in the physical and behavioral sciences, and in English and foreign language studies.

FAES courses are arranged into the following categories:

  • Biochemistry and Biophysics
  • Biology and Genetics
  • Biotechnology (BIO-TRAC)
  • Chemistry and Physics
  • General Studies
  • Imaging Sciences
  • Immunology and Microbiology
  • Languages
  • Medicine and Physiology
  • Medical Subspecialty Review Courses
  • Pharmacology and Toxicology
  • Psychiatry and Psychology
  • Statistics

A modest tuition is charged for FAES courses, which generally will be covered by your NIH research supervisor. It is very important to get approval from him or her in advance of registering for courses. If you are taking an FAES course to meet a requirement of your Master’s and/or PhD degree, it is essential that you get approval of your university advisor or committee in advance that it will meet the university requirement. To view a semester schedule, complete list of courses offered, or register for courses please go to http://www.faes.org/Default.htm.

Last updated on: 06/02/2008