Pathway on Clinical and Translational Research

There is a great need to further develop evidence-based approaches to improve clinical care, and to translate discoveries in basic science to clinical practice. This requires teamwork amongst basic scientists, clinical researchers and practicing clinicians, and leaders who can combine a clinical with a research career. This pathway is designed to support students who have an interest in conducting medically relevant research throughout their career. It is generally designed for individuals with strong research experience prior to medical school, who have a strong interest in continuing this experience and receiving further training. Thus, the CTRP is a selective program that provides advanced opportunities for students to further their skills in basic, clinical or translational research in parallel with the traditional medical school curriculum, and will help you gain the research experience often needed for competitive residency placement. In addition, the program offers the opportunity for an additional gap year to complete a Master’s Degree in Clinical Investigation program in the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. If you have a strong interest in continuing to pursue research as part of your career this program is for you.

The training received will enhance your understanding of the methods involved in:

• Conducting human trials of new drugs and devices
• Examining the translation of experimental cures or diagnostic measures into routine patient care.
• Examining patterns or correlates of disease (e.g. epidemiology).
• Examining the quality of health care, health care outcomes, and other health services research questions (e.g. disparities in care, cost-effectiveness of care, etc.)
• Conducting basic science that focuses on a clinical problem or disease

Successful participation in the 4-year Clinical and Translational Research Pathway (CTRP) will culminate in receipt of a “Certificate of Training in Clinical and Translational Research,” and notation of completion of this elective pathway on your official transcript, and formal letter from pathway leadership to the dean about the student’s participation. The completion of the 5-year CTRP-MSCI will culminate in receipt of a Masters in Clinical Investigation from the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.

Review the curriculum outlines for the 5-year CTRP-MSCI program here.