Research Options for Ochsner-UQ Students in the MD. February 2015 Associate Professor Di Eley

Transcription

1 Research Options for Ochsner-UQ Students in the MD February 2015 Associate Professor Di Eley

2 The following slides will give an overview of the research opportunities available to students in the MD degree in the School of Medicine (SOM) at The University of Queensland (UQ) This presentation specifically highlights the information relevant to students as part of the Ochsner-UQ cohort.

3 Information covered in this presentation includes: The Clinician Scientist Track Eligibility / Requirements Models of study Concurrent MD-Masters Intercalated MD-Masters Intercalated MD-PhD MD MPH (Masters of Public Health) Volunteer and casual research experience

4 The SOM has implemented several strategies for increasing the number of Research Higher Degrees (RHDs) that focus on performance, excellence, growth and collaboration. Central to this strategy is the enhanced collaboration between the School's research agenda and the School's teaching and learning agenda notably through; embedding fundamental research skills in the MD curriculum, enhancing the MD-RHD Program, and developing an MD research pathway, the 'Clinician Scientist Track'

5 The Clinician Scientist Track refers to programs where our most outstanding students are encouraged to incorporate a RHD into their medical degree (MD). The RHDs available are the PhD and the *Masters of Science (MSc) or MPhil. *In Australia, the MSc is called a Masters of Philosophy (MPhil). The MPhil is an internationally recognised RHD and is equivalent to a research Masters.

6 Clinician Scientist Track (CST) Research Higher Degrees (RHD) in the MD MPhil (equivalent to MSc) PhD Two models of study: Concurrent MD-MPhil MPhil research is done part time (PT) concurrently with full time (FT) Medical Program No time taken out of medical program Intercalated MD-MPhil or MD-PhD These are a mixture of FT & PT research intercalated with the MD Requires 1 or 2 years out of the MD program

7 Eligibility for enrolment in an MD-RHD Students must meet the Graduate School requirements for entry into an MPhil or PhD Enrolment into a RHD at UQ is through the Graduate School The link below will describe in detail the MPhil and PhD degrees at UQ. Please read all the information on these degrees carefully. In particular read the eligibility requirements at this link The next 5 slides summarise eligibility requirements for Ochsner students

8 Eligibility requirements for approval to enrol in a RHD You will note from reading the eligibility requirements, that prior research experience is required for admission to a RHD at UQ. This experience can be obtained through educational qualifications such as an *Honours or Masters degree, or professional experience and training. *The basic Australian Honours requirement is unfamiliar to North American undergraduates. Honours is an undergraduate research training program to prepare students to undertake a RHD. If you have not completed Honours, then showing Relevant Experience may satisfy Graduate School requirements Please read all about Evidence of Relevant Experience at this link:

9 What does Relevant Experience mean? These examples summarise what counts as Relevant Experience. Experience as a research assistant and research outputs including research publications are strong evidence of relevant research experience. Professional work experience is also highly regarded in an application to undertake a research higher degree. Evidence of leading large projects, Presenting at conferences, Publication of research outcomes, as a co-author or first author. All (or any) of these examples should be prominent and detailed on your CV!

10 Further Eligibility Requirements for Enrolling in a RHD Keep in mind that; 1. Students must seek approval from the School of Medicine to apply for a RHD while in the MD. 2. Students must enrol in the RHD (MPhil or PhD) through the School of Medicine. However they may undertake their research project with other schools, faculties, institutes or centres at UQ and overseas e.g. USA More details on the MPhil entry requirements are here: More details on the PhD entry requirements are here:

11 Master s of Public Health (MPH) Eligibility for enrolment in an MD-MPH 1. MD students must meet the requirements for entry into an MPH as set by the School of Public Health See School of Public Health website for all details and fees 2. Students must seek approval from the School of Medicine to apply for an MPH while in the MD 3. This is a course work Master degree and can be done as either the concurrent or the intercalated model. You may familiarise yourself with the various study plans and specialities at this page

12 Approximate Timeframes MPhil & MPH Concurrent MD-MPhil or MD-MPH The earliest students may apply to enrol is at the end of Year 1 and then work PT on MPhil or MPH concurrently with FT MD Years 2, 3 & 4. MD Year 1 - FT MD MD Year 2, 3 & 4 FT MD + PT MPhil research of MPH Graduate with an MD-MPhil or MD-MPH possible to extend for 5-6 months between MD graduation and residency

13 Approximate Timeframes MPhil & MPH Intercalated MD-MPhil or MD-MPH Students begin their MPhil or MPH full time for one year in-between MD Years 2 and 3 MD Year 1 - FT MD MD Year 2 FT MD and could begin PT MPhil or MPH. Interrupt one year for full time MPhil research or MPH study Return to MD Years 3 & 4 FT MD + PT MPhil or MPH Graduate with an MD-MPhil or MD-MPH

14 Degree Timeframe Research Options Concurrent Research & Higher Degree Pathways Students are encouraged to get as much Relevant Experience in research as possible in their undergraduate or post-bacc years to ensure eligibility to enrol in a RHD Eligible students for RHD or MPH may begin application & seek approval GPA EOI Approved project advisor **Concurrent Master s or MPH students work part time on degree alongside full time MD across Years 2, 3 & 4 Finish Master s or MPH in ~2-3 years Submit Master s or MPH Degree awarded separately Bachelor s graduate entry MD Year 1 May begin preliminary research work, ethics, literature review etc MD Year 2 *Approved students may begin Master s or MPH USMLE Step 1 MD Year 3 & 4 Back at Ochsner in NOLA students continue Year 3&4 rotations FT and Master s or MPH - PT *Approved students enrol in Master s, MPH at end of MD Y1 or Y2. **Concurrent continue MD full time & Master s or MPH part time. Graduate MD 6 Month gap to Residency Match Students may use this time to finish & submit Master s or MPH D Eley Sep Ochsner

15 Approximate Timeframe Intercalated MD-PhD A mixture of full and part time research intercalated with full time MD. The timing and format can vary but the key feature is that the MD is interrupted between MD Years 2 & 3 to do two years of full time PhD research. MD Years 3 & 4 are resumed full time and the PhD is continued and finished on a part time basis over Years 3 & 4. MD Year 1 full time MD MD Year 2 full time MD and could begin PT PhD research Interrupt one year for full time PhD research Return to MD Years 3 & 4 FT MD + PT PhD research Graduate with an MD-PhD possible to extend for 5-6 months between MD graduation and residency

16 Degree Timeframe Research Options Intercalated Research & Higher Degree Pathways Students are encouraged to get as much Relevant Experience in research as possible in their undergraduate or post-bacc years to ensure eligibility to enrol in a RHD Eligible students for RHD or MPH may begin application & seek approval GPA EOI Approved project advisor INTERRUPT between MD Y2 & Y3 for full time (FT) research Master s & MPH = 1 yr FT PhD = 2 yrs FT After MD interruption, students return to FT MD years 3&4 and PT research. Submit Master s or MPH Degree awarded separately Submit PhD Degree awarded separately Bachelor s graduate entry MD 1 & 2 *Approved students may begin the RHD or MPH part time (PT) in Year 2 USMLE Step 1 MD 3 & 4 Back at Ochsner in NOLA Master s, MPH or PhD students continue MD Year 3&4 clinical rotations FT, and research -PT *Approved students enrol in Master s, MPH or PhD at Y2. Intercalated RHD interrupts MD at end of Y2 after Step 1. Master s or MPH interrupts for 1 year; PhD for 2 years Graduate MD 6 Month gap to Residency Match Students may use this time to finish & submit the PhD D Eley Sep Ochsner

17 Ochsner Students & Tuition Fees For RHDs: Important to note: International students required to pay tuition fees for a Research Higher Degree (MPhil or PhD) However: A limited number of fee waiver scholarships are available on a competitive basis to outstanding UQ-Ochsner students Discuss your competitiveness for a fee waiver as early as possible with the MD Research Director For MPH: Information on fees (or possible fee waivers) for the MPH are available from the School of Public Health.

18 Volunteer / Casual Research Opportunities Many students will not be eligible or simply won t want to pursue a formal research higher degree during medical school but would like to get some research experience and training that might lead to a coauthorship on a journal publication or conference presentation. Look at Student Research Classifieds This page contains Lists and Links to Potential Research Projects which is a listing of all sorts of research projects that may be suitable for MPhil or PhD work as well as voluntary/casual opportunities. These opportunities apply to all levels of prior research experience and skills. Keep an eye on this link as it is updated often.

19 Summer Scholarships Run by the UQ Advantage Office Good option for students with little or no research experience The UQ Summer Research Scholarship Program offers scholarships to students to engage in a research project over the summer vacation period (from mid-november to mid-february). Students who qualify receive a weekly stipend for the duration of their research (6 to 10 weeks). Ochsner students could participate in Year 1 & 2 Summer semesters before returning to USA Applications open ~ July

20 The Bottom Line For students interested in doing research during their MD at UQ 1) Be realistic. Your priority is your USMLE & MD! It s not a race! 2) Be strategic with your research experience. Find an area of interest that you can build on in your clinical career. 3) If you have substantial research experience - check your eligibility to apply for an RHD or an MPH. 4) If you have little or no research experience - keep in mind that you may be limited in the type of research work you can get involved in. However there are still many opportunities for you. Keep an eye on the Student Research Classifieds

21 All information about student research opportunities is on this website Research Options in your Medical Degree