The Harvard Medical School
HMS MISSION
To create and nurture a diverse community of the best people
committed to leadership in alleviating human suffering
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DEAN’S MESSAGE
The Harvard Medical School 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 and 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 Harvard Medical School
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Global Clinical Scholars Research Training (GCSRT) program provides clinicians and clinician-scientists advanced training 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, PharmD, DNP, or equivalent degree are eligible to apply. Typical GCSRT students will have had some or limited clinical research experience, or track record of publication or proposal preparation, and wish to develop their skills further.
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 Harvard Medical School 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, Office of Global Education Harvard Medical School
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KEY FEATURES
• Senior faculty from Harvard Medical School, 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
• 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.
OVERALL STRUCTURE
The unique format 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 post graduate-level education at its best.
David H. Roberts, MD Dean for External Education Harvard Medical School
Photo: Graham Ramsay
Phot o cr edit Lipo fsk y. com
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 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).
PROGRAM CONTENT
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
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GCSRT program students come from more than 60 countries. They are
active in academic research institutions, research hospitals, healthcare
administration, clinics, pharmaceutical companies, and government and
non-governmental organizations.
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
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.
Santi Trimarchi, MD, PhD University of Milan San Donato Milanese, Italy
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
Harvard Medical School Professor of Epidemiology Harvard School of Public Health Boston, Massachusetts
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 ever-changing field of medical science. This course is helping me and other participants obtain the tools to become better clinicians and researchers.
Lubna Mirza, MD
Norman Regional Hospital Norman, Oklahoma
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.
Sunil Saith, MD
Keck School of Medicine University of Southern California Los Angeles, California
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
Having the opportunity to be a student in the GCSRT program was one of the most rewarding experiences in my academic and professional life. Not only did the program greatly improve my scientific and research skills, but it also allowed me to interact with fellow clinician-scientists from around the world and members of the Harvard Medical School faculty.
Mahera Abdulrahman, MD, PhD Head of Research Support Unit Dubai Health Authority Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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.
Roel Bakx, MD, PhD Pediatric Surgical Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands
In modern medical research, computing skills are at the center of all data analysis. The students are taken 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 problem-solving 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 Harvard Medical School Medical Education Editor, NEJM
Physician, Brigham and Women’s Hospital Boston, Massachusetts
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 the GCSRT team and I am finally able to enjoy statistics.
Krishna Soujanya Gunturu, MD Tufts Medical Center
Boston, Massachusetts
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.
Kentaro Ide, MD
The Hospital for Sick Children Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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
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APPLICATION INFORMATION
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants for the GCSRT program must have an MD, PhD, MBBS, DMD, DDS, PharmD, DNP, or equivalent degree. We will consider applications from candidates with a Master’s degree on a case-by-case basis.
APPLICATIONS ARE ACCEPTED FROM SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 TO MAY 22, 2015
Application and registration information is available on the Web at: hms.harvard.edu/gcsrt.
TUITION PAYMENT DEADLINES
The early registration deadline for accepted applications is: January 22, 2015: $11,900
The final registration for accepted applications is: May 22, 2015: $12,900
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 13 – Tuesday, June 16, 2015,
and Thursday, December 10 – Sunday, December 13, 2015. The third and final workshop will be held in Boston, USA,
Tuesday, May 31 – Saturday, June 4, 2016.
GCSRT ADMINISTRATION
AJAY K. SINGH, MBBS, FRCP (UK), MBA
Director, Office of Global Education Associate Professor of Medicine Harvard Medical School
KRISTIN L. BITTINGER, JD
Executive Director, External Education Harvard Medical School
ROBIN J. WHEATLEY, MA
Director of Administration
MANDY D. KAPICA, MPA
Education Manager
JASMIN MEHOVIC, MA
Program Manager
RACHEL LUND, EdM
Office of Global Education Gordon Hall, Suite LL-015 25 Shattuck Street Boston, MA 02115
Telephone: +1-617-432-7256 Email: gcsrt@hms.harvard.edu Web: hms.harvard.edu/gcsrt
