APPLICATION

Deadline for candidate application: February 1, 2009 
Selection notification: March 1, 2009 

Application (Word) 

PROGRAM GOALS

The Mentored Clinical Research Training Program (MCRTP) is designed to provide a solid foundation for clinical / patient-oriented research. The sixth class of MCRTP scholars will begin July 2009 with an Intensive Summer Program followed by two years of a core curriculum. Candidates will need an estimated 70% time commitment to complete the MCRTP two year curriculum.

The MCRTP curriculum includes three core elements: didactic instruction, mentored research experience, and special experiences such as seminars and workshops.

• The didactic instruction provides trainees a standardized set of skills critical for the conduct of all types of clinical research. The instruction includes an intensive summer curriculum followed by a two year core curriculum and electives that can be tailored to best meet each trainee’s career development priorities as determined by the trainee and his/her mini-advisory committee. The didactic curriculum is a combination of established courses and new courses explicitly designed for the MCRTP.

• The mentored research experience will be provided by senior faculty with strong track records of research funding and success. Mentors and mentees will receive a special orientation and training providing them with a standardized set of expectations for the mentored research experience and a mentoring handbook guide to help facilitate the mentored research experience.

• The special experiences will enhance the overall program by offering a highly engaging, interactive learning environment for peers to network, and set the groundwork for future collaborative, peer mentoring relationships, and big science research teams. The integrated workshops will offer trainees more directed and advanced skills while topical seminars will offer more focused exposure to research performed by leaders in the field. Annual retreats will be an opportunity for trainees to gather their experience and present their research to the External Advisory Board and the GCLR Clinical Research Graduate Group Members.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Junior Faculty (current & new recruits)
• Clinical and Pre-Clinical Fellows
• Advanced Post-Doctoral Trainees
• High level of interest and potential to pursue innovative pre-clinical/translational or clinical research as a major focus of career plan, and a long-term goal of entering clinical research career.
• Completed one of the following degrees: MD, DDS, DMD, OD, ND, PhD, DO, PharmD, DVM, or DNS in nursing. (Applications from students currently enrolled in professional or academic degree programs who demonstrate a commitment to pre-clinical/translational or clinical research will be considered on an individual basis.)

Scholars accepted into the Mentored Clinical Research Training Program will be required to provide their own laptops and to purchase STATA statistical software for use in MCRTP courses.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Candidates must submit a formal written application with the following components:

• Application cover sheet.
• Research Proposal (2-4 pages max.) including a statement of work already completed on the project, if any, and an assessment of future mentored work
• Curriculum Vitae
• Career Development Goals
• Mentoring Plan
• Letters of support from
   - Mentor (including specific mentoring commitment)
   - Department Chair (including commitment of release time)
• Official Transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework.

Deadline for candidate application: February 1, 2009 

Send completed application packets via email to Jessica Hicks (jessica.hicks@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu) Program Representative by February 1, 2009.

REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

Each application will be reviewed by two members of the GCLR Graduate Group, who will prepare a written critique and NIH score. The GCLR Admissions and Awards Committee will review the critiques and make their recommendations for admission to the Executive Committee for final selection.

Selection notification: March 1, 2009 

Once selected, scholars will be required to complete the UC Davis On-line Graduate Studies Admission process.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Applications will be reviewed for the quality of the individual, mentor and proposal. Some of the factors that are involved in the decision include:

• commitment to a career in clinical research
• track record in clinical research, including publications
• quality of previous training, especially in research
• likelihood of improving the patient-oriented research at UC Davis
• clinical research accomplishments, training record of the mentor and quality of mentoring plan
• quality of proposed research
• likelihood of interdisciplinary research and team-building
• individuals with NIH support (F32, T32, Ks, etc.) plus those with non-NIH support for training and career development

If you have any questions regarding the Mentored Clinical Research Training Program application process, please contact Jessica Hicks at (916) 703-9110 or via email at jessica.hicks@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu