Clinical Research Training Program (CRTP)

Description of Program

The Clinical Research Training Program (CRTP) is a three-track training program for clinicians or clinical researchers. The first track consists of a series of integrated weekly lectures on patient-oriented research. The second track extends the curriculum and culminates in a certificate in Clinical Research. Participants in the third track complete additional graduate-level coursework to earn a Master of Science degree. Because the curriculum is intended to be taken concurrently with a fellowship program, primary clinical training, or clinical attending/research, scheduling of the core components is designed to be accessible to trainees who also have clinical responsibilities. Each of the three tracks follows a specific timeline. Please see track descriptions that follow for specific information.

Coursework for Track I begins in September.
Coursework for Track II begins in September.
Coursework for Track III begins in September.

Track I: Essentials of Patient-Oriented Research Course

The Essentials of Patient-Oriented Research (EPOR) is a series of integrated weekly lectures exploring specific topics of patient-oriented research held during the academic year. Lectures focus on methods for planning, funding, conducting, and reporting clinical research. While this course is intended primarily for fellowship trainees and junior faculty, others interested in clinical research (including clinical research nurses, study coordinators, and medical students) are welcome as space permits.

• Autumn quarter series: Introduction to Clinical Research Design
• Winter quarter series: Carrying out Clinical Research Responsibly 
• Spring quarter series: Introduction to Clinical Trials

EPOR begins in late September and ends in late May. Participants may choose to attend one, two, or three quarters. Certificates of completion are awarded each quarter based on active participation and consistent attendance.

EPOR is presented at no charge but advance registration with the program office is required for each series. For more information or to enroll, please contact the program manager, Michele Thompson, at (773) 834-1836 or mthompso@uchicago.edu no later than September 22.

Track II: CRTP Certificate Program (Solicitation for Applications)  

The CRTP II is a two-year training program for clinical fellows and faculty in the first few years of their appointment.  Trainees participate in a core curriculum consisting of graduate-level courses in statistical and epidemiologic methods, a year-long series of lectures on the Essentials of Patient Oriented Research (EPOR/CRTP Track I), and a two-year long seminar that covers hypothesis development, identifying and justifying specific aims, and devising the most appropriate and effective research methods.  The CRTP Track II is not degree granting but eventuates in a certificate of completion and requires formal admission.

Each applicant must identify a research mentor who will help develop a specific research question that he or she will build into an R01, R21, or K award over the course of a year.  Priority is given to individuals who have completed the EPOR (CRTP Track I) lecture series.

Curriculum
    1.  Essentials of Patient Oriented Research (EPOR/CRTP I) - three quarter series
    2.  Formal coursework in biostatistics and epidemiology
            Health Studies 30700 - Clinical Epidemiology
            Health Studies 32100 - Introduction to Biostatistics
                OR
            Health Studies 30900 - Principles of Epidemiology
    3.  Research-development seminar (years 1 and 2)

Applications
Applications should be received by April 1 and should consist of:

    1.  CV
    2.  Letter from the candidate describing his/her research plan and career goals.
    3.  Letter of support from the candidate’s research mentor.
    4.  Letter from the candidate’s Program Director/Section Chief supporting the candidate’s participation and ensuring that sufficient protected time will be provided for the coursework and seminar participation.

All application materials should be sent to: Ms. Michele Thompson, Program Manager, Clinical Research Training Program, AMB W247.  Phone:  (773) 834-1836; FAX:  (773) 702-1979

Candidates who are selected for an interview will be notified by April 15.

The CRTP is a component of the University of Chicago’s Clinical and Translational Science Award from NIH.

Track III: Master of Science in Health Studies

Track III of the CRTP culminates in a Master of Science in Health Studies. Trainees must complete a total of nine graduate-level courses and they are encouraged to attend the autumn quarter of the "Essentials of Patient Oriented Research" (EPOR) lecture series. Track III is designed to provide in-depth knowledge of the methods of biostatistics, epidemiology, patient-outcomes assessment, and health-services research. Students must apply to Track III through the Biological Sciences Division (BSD) / Health Studies admissions process. Applications must be received by December 1st and consist of:

1. BSD application (including three letters of recommendation). Available online.
2. Sealed official transcript(s)
3. MCAT or GRE scores
4. CV
5. A career statement detailing how this program will support the candidate's career goals.
6. A letter of endorsement from the Department Chair/Section Chief supporting the candidate's participation and insuring that sufficient protected time will be provided.

Additional information on Master of Science in Health Studies

Program Contact

Michele Thompson, CRTP Program Administrator, 773-834-1836