NEW - 2009 Trainee Checklists:

2009 Trainee Checklist - Summer Research Track

2009 Trainee Checklist - Intensive (year-long) Research Track

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the short-term (summer) research core and the intensive (one-year) research core?
The short-term (summer) research core is a two-month program that requires two courses in the design and analysis of clinical research. Scholars conduct mentored independent research, complete a report, and develop and present a poster. Additionally, they attend summer research seminars and a 1/2 day, medical center-wide research symposium in the fall with other young investigators. The intensive (one-year) research core requires five didactic courses in the design and analysis of clinical research, legal and ethical issues, and scientific writing. Scholars also attend research seminars including the Faculty Research Seminars, the NIH Predoctoral Program Conferences, and the Doris Duke Seminars, as well as the 1/2 day research symposium in the fall. Finally, they conduct mentored independent research, present their research to an advisory committee and submit a manuscript to a medical journal of their choice.  Additionally, all TL1 trainees in the Intensice Research Core must enroll in the Masters of Science in Clinical Investigation (MSCI) as part of their participation in the Predoctoral Program.  Washington University medical students may enroll in the MA/MD program rather than the MSCI.

What if I just want to take a couple of classes? Do I need to apply?
No program application is required. Those interested in individual classes are encouraged to register for the desired coursework. However, participation depends on availability and there is no tuition coverage.

Students, faculty and staff enjoy lunch during the 2008 Predoctoral Program and Doris Duke Fellowship Program Holiday Party at the Whittemore House on Danforth Campus.

How do I apply for the program? What are the admissions requirements?
Applicants for either the short-term or intensive research core must be predoctoral students in medicine or other allied health professions. Required application materials vary slightly by program and include a CV; a personal statement outlining your career development goals, research interests, and reasons for wanting to participate in the program; contact information for a faculty mentor (click here for current list of potential mentors); a letter of support; and a proposed research project. Approximately 12 trainees will be accepted into each core annually. Applicants can apply between the end of November and the beginning of Marchfor the following June start date.

Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to apply?
A scholar must be a citizen or non-citizen national of the United States, or must have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence (i.e., in possession of a currently valid Alien Registration Receipt Card I-551, or some other legal verification of such status). Individuals on temporary or student visas are not eligible.

Where and when are your classes offered? How many credits do I need to complete each program?
Classes, conferences, and discussion groups are held in the Center for Clinical Research Training Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 am and 6:00 pm unless otherwise noted. The short-term research core is six credits, while the intensive research core is 22 credits.

Who teaches your classes?
All of our course-masters and instructors are faculty at Washington University. There are also alternating guest lecturers.

How many scholars are in the program?
Approximately 20 scholars will be accepted into the program each spring - 10 in each research core.

What is the tuition for the program? Do you provide any financial assistance?
There is no tuition cost for any of the required coursework. Additionally, there are $3,462 and $20,772 stipends available for short-term and intensive research core scholars. Limited funding for research-related expenses is also available.

I'm interested in your program, but I'm also concerned about its impact on my educational debt. How can I lessen this financial burden?
Tuition for degrees in medicine, physical therapy, and occupational therapy at Washington University are frozen at matriculation, even if you take time off to participate in one of our programs. You may also be eligible for the NIH Loan Repayment Program once your have conducted two years of clinical research and earned your doctoral degree; click here for more information.

What is there to explore around St. Louis?
For information about places and events around town, please click here.

"The construction of our five-page proposal in the Designing Outcomes and Clinical Research Workshop was very useful in helping me organize my thoughts and plan for my summer project." - Summer scholar 2006