The University of Chicago Clinical Research Training Program (CRTP) is a three-tiered program providingtraining in the theory and methods of clinical research. Its structure allows clinicians at multiple levels ofbackground, skill, and experience to participate. Most CRTP scholars are either clinical Fellows or faculty inthe first few years of their appointment. Such participation can lead to certificates of completion in openlecture courses on Essentials of Patient-Oriented Research (EPOR) (Track I), a Certificate in ClinicalResearch after completion of a two-year program (Track II), or a Master of Science degree focusing onclinical research design, biostatistics, and epidemiologic methods (Track III). A key component of Track II isa two-year seminar conducted by two of the program directors that provides active learning in development ofa clinical research program, beginning from broad objectives to focused questions, hypothesis development,identifying and justifying specific aims, and devising the most appropriate and effective research methods.Participants in all tracks receive formal instruction from senior investigators. Mentorship at all levels is ahigh priority. Over the first five years of the program, we have seen over 500 enrollments in EPOR courses,we will have issued 18 Certificates in Clinical Research, and 10 M.S. degrees to program participants. Over90% of CRTP graduates hold faculty appointments in academic medical centers. In the proposed grant period, we shall continue the successful elements of the CRTP. At the same time, weshall expand and enhance the curricular offerings by developing two new lecture series on research-grantfundamentals and on human genetics for EPOR, developing a program ofbiostatistical mentorship for TrackII scholars as they develop specific aims and methods for their research, developing three courses for TracksII and III on clinical trials design, advanced biostatistical methods, and health disparities, and by providinglimited tuition support for Track III candidates to enable promising candidates to participate.
