• How is this program different from PUH or SSH categorical programs?
It is identical in that Scholars receive the same clinical training and ABIM eligibility as the categorical programs, however there is a research focus built into the curriculum. This includes a research mentor from the division of your interest, monthly research-oriented seminars and a 2-month research methods course at the beginning of the PGY 2 yea (Clinical Research Training Program).
• Are International Scholars as competitive as the categorical residents for sub-specialty fellowship?
While this is a new program and it is impossible to predict how competitive various specialties will be several years from now, we anticipate that the research experience, manuscripts and meeting presentations will make Scholars extremely competitive. Our experience to date is that three Scholars have placed into Heme/Onc (first choice programs) and cardiology.
• How do I choose a research mentor?
Most Scholars have an idea of their specialty of interest when they begin. The Scholars representative from your division of interest will help you identify an individual with similar research interests. The ISP program mentor will also help. Most have chosen their mentor by the end of their PGY I year, before the CRTP coursework begins.
• When must I choose my research project?
Our experience is that during the internship year, Scholars have identified a mentor and often a project. The PGY 2 year begins with a 2-month research methods course and generally by the end of the course Scholars have started on a project.
• What does the summer research course cover?
The core courses will teach trainees the basic set of knowledge and skills that every clinical investigator should possess, regardless of the specific field of patient-oriented research they enter. The curriculum of the core courses has been carefully designed to overlap in such a way as to provide some level of reinforcement without redundancy. During the intensive summer session, trainees will take four integrated methods courses that introduce critical concepts in patient-oriented research. Each topic is summarized below. A more complete description can be found on the website of the Clinical Research Training Program.
• What is the research seminar series?
This is a monthly meeting for all the Scholars that will be a forum for Scholars to present their work in progress to colleagues and faculty. There will also be opportunities for faculty to present their work and stimulate ideas particularly in the first year when no research activity has yet begun. Other topics such as teaching, quality improvement and grant writing are covered.
