GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The University of Michigan (UM) received a K30 Clinical Research Training Curriculum Development Award in 1999. The goal of this Training Program in Clinical Research (TPCR) was to train physicians, dentists and other healthcare professionals in the methodology required to conduct successful clinical research. To date, 27 trainees have completed a 2-year Masters program in Clinical Research Design and Statistical Analysis and another 21 are currently enrolled. The program has had a significant impact on the career development of the trainees and culture of the institution in regards to support of clinical research. The structure of the program has evolved over the past 5 years and a solid curriculum has emerged that we will continue to implement in the next 5 years. Main objectives of the program are to ensure that trainees 1) become independent clinical investigators by successfully competing as Principal Investigators for K23, K24 or VA Career Development awards, and subsequently NIH R awards; and 2) serve as role models by becoming mentors to other trainees. To achieve these objectives, we propose six Specific Aims:
- Teach clinical investigators how to develop a research project by identifying a testable hypothesis, formulating appropriate methodology and understanding statistical considerations in study design and statistical analysis.
- Provide ideas and skills necessary for the performance of specific types of clinical research, in the form of complementary tracks
- Perform "hands-on" clinical research under the guidance of an experienced mentor.
- Promote knowledge of ethical issues involved in clinical research.
- Help develop grant writing and scientific communication skills among participants.
- Increase the recruitment of underrepresented minority scholars into clinical research.
The program stands on three pillars of strength at the University of Michigan : 1) A nationally recognized instructional program in Clinical Research Design and Statistical Analysis (CRDSA); 2) One of the oldest and largest NIH-funded General Clinical Research Center (GCRC); and 3) A Center for Advancement of Clinical Research (CACR). These resources provide the infrastructure of the training program. Participating in the program are trainees and faculty of the Schools of Medicine, Dentistry, Public Health and Nursing and the College of Pharmacy .
University of Michigan Training Program in Clinical Research - K30 |
