MTPCI PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Over a decade ago, senior clinical investigators at the University of Virginia initiated discussions with the Dean of the School of Medicine and with the leadership of the General Clinical Research Center (GCRC) concerning a perceived need for enhanced training of physicians and scientists interested in a career in clinical investigation. Given the evolving complexities of cutting edge clinical investigation it seemed appropriate to complement the typical "on-the-job" research experience, which had hitherto been synonymous with the training of clinical investigators, with an intensive and relevant didactic experience. It was suggested that coursework should focus on topics such as hypothesis development, searching the literature, experimental design, biostatistics, epidemiology and the ethics of clinical investigation. In 1997 two programs became available at the University of Virginia to address this need: the Clinical Investigation track of the Master's Degree Program in Heath Evaluation Sciences (HES), offered through the Department of HES, and the Multidisciplinary Training Program in Clinical Investigation (MTPCI), supported jointly by the Dean's office and the GCRC.
A detailed description of the Master's Program in Health Evaluation Sciences can be found at http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/internet/hes/ms/mshome.cfm. Directed by Carolyn Engelhard, M.P.A., this graduate program includes both core and elective work; is typically completed by full time students in one intensive year; and requires submission of a final project which may take the form of either a thesis or a practicum. This program also requires admission to the graduate school and payment of tuition.
The MTPCI targets post-doctoral fellows and junior faculty members (M.D.s and Ph.D.s) who recognize the potential benefits of (1) a sound didactic experience and (2) a high quality mentoring system but who, for a variety of reasons, may not wish to enter a graduate program. MTPCI trainees who complete the program receive a "Certificate of Clinical Investigation". Program completion requires successful completion of four core curriculum courses plus electives and active participation in the mentoring program.
Didactic Training:
Currently, the core curriculum comprises Introduction to Clinical Investigation, Biostatistics, Fundamentals of Epidemiology and Research Ethics. A description of these courses, together with links to courses which may be selected to fulfill the elective requirements, can be found at MTPCI Courses .
Mentoring:
MTPCI mentoring is conducted by a three member committee twice per year. Each trainee has his/her own committee including one MTPCI Advisory Committee member and two senior investigators from disciplines complementary to those of the trainee's own experience or home department. This mentoring process is designed to foster the multi-disciplinary experience. MTPCI mentoring committees for faculty member trainees do not include their primary (departmental) research mentor, although this person may receive reports on MTPCI mentoring if desired. The mentoring process is structured to incorporate interim research activity reports and mentoring session summary reports. These reports track the trainee's activity and progress in the program while providing valuable data for program evaluation. For additional details on our mentoring process see MTPCI Mentoring .
Applications:
Application to the MTPCI is straightforward (see Application Process ). The candidate submits an application along with a current CV to the Program Administrator. The Program Administrator then schedules an exploratory meeting between the candidate and the Program Director. The Program Director recommends promising candidates to a subgroup of the Advisory Committee for acceptance into the program. With approval of the Adivisory Committee subgroup, an invitaion to participate is then sent to the potential trainee along with a letter of intent. The admission process is completed once the candidate returns the signed letter of intent. The trainee's Mentoring Committee is selected in conjunction with program staff after acceptance into the program.
Financial Considerations:
Costs incurred by trainees for participation in the MTPCI are minimal and no tuition is charged for MTPCI-supported coursework. There may be a charge for the School of Medicine Research Ethics class beginning Spring semester 2009. The MTPCI does not provide salary support for trainees. Trainees are expected to identify salary support from local funds, training grants, NRSA's, K-awards, etc. The MTPCI administration does work closely with trainees, their Primary/Research Mentor, and/or department chair to identify support opportunities and to provide guidance on how to prepare individual grants.
Program description last revised June 2008.