The Irving Institute, in partnership with the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and other groups in the medical school, introduce medical students to clinical research at a formative stage of their training and development. Third-year medical students from schools throughout the U.S. are invited to apply for slots in a program that provides a full year of research and training between 3rd and 4th year medical studies. Applications consist of a curriculum vita, medical school transcript, two letters of recommendation, and a brief personal statement describing the candidate's interest in one or more research areas of excellence at Columbia. Selection is based on the applicant's potential for a career in clinical research, the extent to which the opportunity offered by the program will enhance the applicant's clinical potential, and the probability of fruitful matches with mentors at Columbia.
In addition to conducting defined research projects, the Fellows participate in a didactic clinical research experience that combines Columbia’s considerable clinical strengths with its existing educational resources. The program includes 2-5 hours per week of formal didactics. Fellows may take up to 12 University course credits as part of the program. Among the most popular courses are offerings in biostatistics and epidemiology. Requirements include attendance at the Irving Institute’s Seminar Series, a lecture series entitled "Responsible Conduct of Research and Related Policy Issues," a passing grade on the competency examination required of all investigators conducting research with human subjects at Columbia (Protection of Human Subjects in Biomedical and Behavioral Research). They also undergo an 18-day Clinical Rotation for 2nd Year Medical Residents; a course on grantsmanship (Funding for Research Activities: Basic Issues in Obtaining Research); and meet regularly with senior and junior mentors assigned each fall. At the end of the year, the Fellows present their clinical research in symposium attended by mentors, other interested faculty, and students.
Click here to view resident schedules and online power calculation module or here for a list of the Doris Duke Fellows and their research protocols.
