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What are the
Objectives of the MSCI Program?
- To train
investigators in the techniques and processes utilized in patient-oriented
research.
- To provide trainees,
through didactic courses and a mentored experience in clinical
investigation, a strong foundation in the core skills and methods
necessary for success in patient-oriented research. Such
skills include biostatistics and experimental design, biomedical
ethics, issues in the drug discovery process, clinical pharmacology
assay methods, human genetics, grantsmanship and grants management,
and scientific communication skills.
- To strengthen
Vanderbilt's pre-eminent leadership role in the development of
future leaders in patient-oriented research.
- To benefit society
by training and nurturing physician-scientists whose efforts will
improve human health.
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Who is
eligible for the MSCI Program?
- Board eligible
physicians currently enrolled in a Fellowship Program at Vanderbilt
Medical Center or at Meharry Medical School;
- Vanderbilt Faculty
Members - with the consent of their Department Chairs;
- Post-Doctoral
PhDs seeking a career in patient-oriented research.
- PhD candidates
in the Nursing School seeking a career in patient-oriented research.
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How does the
MSCI Program differ from other training programs at Vanderbilt?
The MSCI Program occupies a unique
niche within the continuum of our MD, MD-PhD and MPH training
programs. The MD-PhD program is training physician-scientists
to perform basic molecular research, while the MPH program is
training physician-scientists to perform epidemiology, outcomes,
health services and quality improvement research. The MSCI
Program will train physicians and other health professionals in
the fundamental tools of patient-oriented research, which generally
involves mechanistic, hypothesis-driven research on patients,
often within the context of clinical trials of new drugs, devices
or procedures.
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How much does
the MSCI Program cost? What are potential sources of tuition
payment?
Tuition is approximately $40,000
for the two years. Tuition may be funded through NIH training
grant mechanisms, corporate/foundation grants or from institutional
resources. In addition, partial scholarships are available
for qualified applicants.
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How long does
the MSCI Program last?
The Master of Science in Clinical
Investigation is a two-year program.
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Can I do clinical
work while in the MSCI Program?
The MSCI trainee will be expected
to commit at least 32 hours per week over a two-year period to
the didactic courses and mentored research project.
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Can I audit courses
from the MSCI Program?
Yes, usually. As a Fellow
or Faculty member, the Vanderbilt Faculty/Staff Handbook provides
two types of benefits when you are enrolled in a Vanderbilt course:
auditing privileges and tuition discounts:
Auditing Privileges
You may audit one MSCI course per semester with permission of
your supervisor and the course director and tuition will be waived. The
MSCI office must be notified of your enrollment.
Tuition Discounts
Faculty and staff may enroll in an MSCI course for academic credit
and receive a 70% tuition discount. This benefit applies to a
single three-hour course each semester.
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What does the
curriculum consist of ?
- Mentored
research apprenticeship culminating in a manuscript, grant or
Master's thesis;
- Didactic work;
- Career path development.
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How do I find
a research mentor?
The best ways to find a research
mentor is to meet with your training program director or academic
supervisor and discuss potential mentors in your own Division
or Department. A mentor should be an experienced clinical investigator
with an established research program, as evidenced by a track
record of consistent extramural funding.
Mentors may be in Departments
other than the Department of the prospective trainee but are working
in areas well aligned with the trainee's interests. MSCI Program
Directors are available to provide advice to trainees who have
questions about mentors.
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What are some
examples of clinical research projects that could be conducted while
I am in the MSCI Program?
Active clinical research projects
are being conducted by faculty members in a variety of successful
groups, including Clinical Pharmacology, Endocrinology/Metabolism,
Hematology/Oncology, Vaccine Development, Genetics, Psychiatry,
and in several Divisions of the Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics.
MSCI Program Directors are available to advise trainees and prospective
trainee sponsors about the research interests of specific investigators.
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Must I choose
a project with a mentor who is in my own Division or Department?
Not necessarily. In fact, an important
aspect of this program is to encourage the placement of trainees
in research programs which are located in different Divisions
or Department. The trainee would be exposed to the wider culture
of clinical research and bring back skills and ideas that might
advance the clinical research agenda of the trainee's home Department.
In addition, the trainee would be able to maintain collegial relationships
with the research mentor's research group, as the trainee's career
moves toward independence and successful competition for extramural
funding.
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How do I apply?
Applicants should contact the
MSCI Office at (615) 322-3480 to set up an initial appointment
with one of the Directors. Applications are available on-line
only. Details are available at this website on the Application
page.
Online Applications are available here.
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Who do I contact
for more information?
Master of Science in Clinical
Investigation
S-3126A Medical Center
NorthVanderbilt University
Medical Center
Nashville, TN 37232-2195
(615) 322-3480 phone
(615) 322-4026 fax
susan.britt@vanderbilt.edu
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