The Global Clinical Scholars Research Training Program GCSRT The Global Clinical Scholars Research Training Program 1
HMS MISSION To create and nurture a diverse community of the best people committed to leadership in alleviating human suffering caused by disease.
Dean s message The Global Clinical Scholars Research Training (GCSRT) program is a one-year program in clinical and epidemiological research training. The program is designed for scholars already working in a clinical research setting who would like to develop their research skills further. The program also provides a strong foundation for scientists starting a career in clinical or epidemiological research. Using a combination of online learning and three short, intensive workshops, the GCSRT program provides a comprehensive curriculum in clinical research. It takes a modern, interactive approach to the teaching and learning of clinical research skills, and combines traditional teaching methods with interactive webinars and online instructional study materials. This approach allows students to acquire information individually and at their own pace, while also providing in-person workshops for team-based learning, facilitated problem solving. The emphasis on team-based learning is designed to model a collaborative approach that is critical for success in contemporary clinical research. In the GCSRT program, scholars will work together in groups to investigate, discuss, and solve research-related problems, while also learning from each other. I encourage you to participate in this innovative and interactive program. Jeffrey S. Flier, MD Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Photo: John Soares / 1 gcsrt
ABOUT THE PROGRAM Whether you work in clinical research or are just beginning your career, the Global Clinical Scholars Research Training (GCSRT) program provides clinicians and clinician-scientists a strong foundation in the methods and conduct of clinical research. Our program s blended-learning approach combines traditional classroom teaching in three workshops with interactive webinars and online instructional study materials. Scholars have 24/7 access to all learning content and can participate at locations convenient to them. Our program emphasizes team-based learning which leads to a deeper and more enduring understanding of topics. In addition, scholars will have access to our faculty throughout the program. Clinicians with an MD, PhD, MBBS, DMD, DDS, DO, PharmD, DNP, or equivalent degree are eligible to apply. The program curriculum is comprised of approximately 60 lectures, including two foundation courses, one in epidemiology and one in biostatistics, as well as the option to choose a concentration in advanced epidemiology (Epi-GCSRT) or clinical trials (Trials-GCSRT). Nearly 30% of the lectures will focus on the concentration selected by each scholar. The lectures are supported by interactive webinars and face-to-face workshops. At the conclusion of the program, scholars will be expected to develop and present a research proposal. Upon fulfilling the GCSRT program requirements, scholars will receive a Certificate of Completion and become Associate Members of the and Harvard University Alumni Association. More information about our program is available on the Web at hms.harvard.edu/gcsrt. If you have additional questions, please contact me. Ajay K. Singh, MBBS, FRCP (UK), MBA Director, GCSRT Program ajay_singh@hms.harvard.edu The Global Clinical Scholars Research Training Program 2
The essence of the GCSRT program blends online learning with face-to-face teaching via workshops and live webinars. The program s innovative approach to global clinical research training is graduate-level education at its best. David E. Golan, MD, PhD Dean for Graduate Education and Special Advisor for Global Programs KEY FEATURES Senior faculty from, Harvard School of Public Health, Harvard Business School, and other leading academic institutions A blend of online and live teaching Team-based learning 24/7 access to learning content at a location convenient to you Faculty available to participants throughout the year OVERALL STRUCTURE Approximately 60 Online Lectures Two to three Interactive Webinars per month, targeted for review and problem solving. The webinars will include review sessions by faculty, or journal club sessions during which a faculty member will review a journal article. Three Workshops The program curriculum includes three residential workshop-style courses: two 3-day sessions in London, and one 5-day session in Boston. These workshops offer a mix of didactic and practical exercises. Biostatistical Computing This course uses Stata statistical software; support for the software is provided by faculty and staff. Photo: Graham Ramsay 3 gcsrt
Program Content The program is comprised of two foundation courses, one in epidemiology and one in biostatistics, with a concentration in either advanced epidemiology (Epi-GCSRT) or in clinical trials (Trials-GCSRT). Foundation Courses Epidemiology - This course covers the basic principles and methods of epidemiology, including disease (outcome) measures, measures of association, study design options, bias, confounding, and effect modification. Biostatistics - This course addresses how to organize, summarize, and display quantitative data; the use of statistical software (Stata); measures of variability, and confidence intervals; and interpreting tests of significance. The course also provides an understanding of the basic principles and uses of linear and logistic regression models for clinical research. Concentrations The Epidemiological GCSRT program provides instruction in the epidemiological and biostatistical methods used in observational clinical research. Training in the oral and written presentation of clinical research is also provided. The Clinical Trials GCSRT program will provide instruction in the conduct, implementation, and analysis of clinical trials, with a focus on the methods of study design, ethics, recruitment, and biostatistical considerations that are used in designing and analyzing clinical trials. After completing this program, scholars will be able to: 1. Perform both observational and experimental clinical research using the methods introduced in this program. 2. Plan and implement one or more clinical research projects. 3. Analyze, interpret, and present clinical research data. The Global Clinical Scholars Research Training Program 4
GCSRT program students come from more than 30 countries. They are active in academic research institutions, research hospitals, healthcare administration, clinics, pharmaceutical companies, and government and non-governmental organizations. The first workshop in London of the 2013-14 GCSRT program was extraordinary. The successful three-day collaboration of these accomplished health professionals from so many countries, ages and backgrounds, working together in teams through the application of concepts and the designing of studies, was matched only by their clear enthusiasm for the process. As a faculty member, it was without doubt one of my most enjoyable and rewarding teaching experiences. Julie Buring, ScD, GCSRT Program Faculty Professor of Medicine Professor of Epidemiology Harvard School of Public Health Boston, Massachusetts The GCSRT program has achieved a perfect blend of international exposure and flexibility. It has been able to fulfill my desire to tap into a global wealth of knowledge without compromising on professional growth. I am confident its impact on my career goals will be phenomenal. Ewemade Igbinedion, MBBS, MPH, FRSPH, ACIEH Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital Benin, Nigeria Santi Trimarchi, MD, PhD University of Milan San Donato Milanese, Italy GCSRT is a great opportunity for focusing on the concepts of epidemiology, clinical trials and biostatistics. It is a solid course that will improve both the quality of my work and the research skills at this point of my career. GCSRT is also a wonderful chance to connect with clinicians and researchers from around the world. Lubna Mirza, MD Norman Regional Hospital Norman, Oklahoma Sunil Saith, MD Keck School of Medicine University of Southern California Los Angeles, California Online classes open up unique opportunities for individuals in my situation. Most participants have full-time jobs and busy careers. I am very happy to be working with other members in my team. Lifelong learning is crucial to stay abreast in the everchanging field of medical science. This course is helping me and other participants obtain the tools to become better clinicians and researchers. GCSRT presents us with unique challenges. We collaborate not just across the continent, but the world. We span from San Francisco to the United Arab Emirates, from the UK to Trinidad. However, regardless of our locales, we all face the same challenges as physicians. This state-of-the-art education will best prepare me for the challenges I will face as the world becomes an increasingly smaller place. 5 gcsrt
Even though I have extensive experience in conducting of clinical trials, I am now confident that the highly qualified research training offered by GCSRT will improve my competencies tremendously within the field. The program will build on my knowledge of conducting, implementing, and analyzing clinical trials. Anne Estrup Olesen, MSc (Pharm), PhD Aalborg University Hospital Aalborg, Denmark Habiba S. Al Safar, PhD Khalifa University Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Roel Bakx, MD, PhD Pediatric Surgical Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands This training improves my understanding of clinical research as well as of bioinformatics resources, which are required for data-driven research related to type 2 diabetes. My research also benefits greatly from the opportunity to collaborate with other clinician-scientists from around the world. This program enables me to get more insight into statistics as part of my tenure track. It is very extensive, and the lectures are well presented, very informative, and easy to follow. It provides me with a thorough knowledge and understanding of statistics. Also it is very motivating to meet eager people from everywhere around the world. Krishna Soujanya Gunturu, MD Tufts Medical Center Boston, Massachusetts Kentaro Ide, MD The Hospital for Sick Children Toronto, Ontario, Canada This program is fantastic. It not only teaches you about the basics of research, but also about team work, grants, and publishing your data in an interactive way. The online courses provide flexibility in my schedule, and the workshops are a valuable tool for networking and for team building. I am happy to be a part of GCSRT team and I am finally able to enjoy statistics. The GCSRT curriculum is intensive and advanced, but the step-by-step approach with online lectures and webinars helps us understand. One of the most attractive points is that students can learn not only from the wonderful professors but also researchers in similar circumstances from all over the world through team assignments. GCSRT offers a great overview of clinical research. As a scholar, I get great networking opportunities. I get to know and interact in a relevant manner with highly qualified colleagues and teaching staff in a context that strengthens my research capabilities. I am already applying some of my newly acquired skills in operational research in my work. Gitau Mburu, MBChB, MPH International HIV AIDS Alliance Brighton and Hove, East Sussex, England In modern medical research, computing skills are at the center of all data analysis. We take our students through a demanding introduction to many different techniques, using the best all-round software. If you are ambitious about your research career, this course will give you skills in analysis unmatched by any other one-year course that I know of. Robert Grant, MSc, GradStat, GCSRT Program Faculty Senior Research Fellow in Quantitative Methods Center for Health & Social Care Research St. George s, University of London & Kingston University, England It is a privilege to lead problemsolving discussions and to share insights and experience with the remarkable group of energized, committed, and talented researchers that GCSRT has brought together. Graham McMahon, MD, MMSC, GCSRT Program Faculty Associate Professor of Medicine Medical Education Editor, NEJM Physician, Brigham and Women s Hospital Boston, Massachusetts The Global Clinical Scholars Research Training Program 6
GCSRT ADMINISTRATION application information AJAY K. SINGH, MBBS, FRCP (UK), MBA Director, Global Programs Associate Professor of Medicine SALLY M. ANDREWS, MBA Director of Administration Office of Global Programs ROBIN J. WHEATLEY, MA Director of Administration MANDY D. KAPICA, MPA Education Manager JASMIN MEHOVIC, MA Program Manager KIMBERLY T. NORVILLE, BA Global Programs Office Coordinator ANDY E. CHANG, BA Senior Financial Analyst Eligibility requirements Applicants for the GCSRT program must have an MD, PhD, MBBS, DMD, DDS, DO, PharmD, DNP, or equivalent degree. APPLICATIONS ARE ACCEPTED FROM OCTOBER 1, 2013 TO JUNE 2, 2014 Application and registration information is available on the Web at: hms.harvard.edu/gcsrt. REGISTRATION DEADLINES The two early registration deadlines for accepted applications are: Monday, February 17, 2014: $10,900 Monday, April 14, 2014: $11,500 The final registration for accepted applications is: Monday, June 2, 2014: $11,900 To qualify for the early registration tuition, all application materials and full payment must be received by the early registration dates shown above. All applicants must complete and submit the application form and all the required supporting documents. Tuition includes fees for the three workshops and all four modules (summer, fall, winter, and spring). Fees do not include books, supplies, software, or travel and accommodation expenses. WORKSHOP DATES AND LOCATIONS The program curriculum includes three residential workshop-style courses, comprised of a mix of didactic and practical exercises. The first two workshops take place in London, UK, Saturday, June 21 Tuesday, June 24, 2014, and Thursday, December 11 Sunday, December 14, 2014. The third and final workshop will be held in Boston, USA, Tuesday, June 2 Saturday, June 6, 2015. 7 gcsrt
Office of Global Programs Gordon Hall, Suite 001 25 Shattuck Street Boston, MA 02115 Telephone: +1-617-432-2174 Email: gcsrt@hms.harvard.edu Web: hms.harvard.edu/gcsrt Copyright 2013 The President and Fellows of Harvard College