Training in Epidemiology and Clinical Trials Fellowship

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2012-2014 Until January 15, 2012

The Program

A two-year post-doctoral program designed for obstetrician-gynecologists to learn clinical research and advanced epidemiology methods. Fellows will conduct research in an academically rigorous and supportive environment. Faculty and mentors come from the University of North Carolina, Duke University, and FHI 360 (led by Joanne Garrett, PhD; Evan Myers, MD, MPH; and David Grimes, MD, respectively).

Primary Content Focus

Reproductive health and contraceptive research.

Program Goals

1. To develop the skills needed to become a self-sustaining professional in women's health research and
2. To expand the number of researchers in obstetrics and gynecology in academia, international health organizations, public health agencies and industry.

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Educational Training

Fellows earn a Master  of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR) or Master of Public Health (MPH)  from the Department of Epidemiology, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, or a Master of Health Science (MHS) from Duke University. Alternatively, if an applicant already has a Master's degree, a certificate program in such areas as Global Health, Health Disparities, or Medical Ethics can be pursued.

Note: The application deadline for a Master’s degree in the Department of Epidemiology is January 15th. The graduate school application must also be completed by this time in order to be eligible for the TECT fellowship.

The curriculum is designed to enhance research career skills. Courses have been tailored specifically for clinicians, and provide a strong foundation for conducting methodologically rigorous research. Areas of study include: clinical epidemiology, biostatistics, design of clinical research, and selected topics such as global health, health disparities, medical ethics, health policy, and medical economics.

Submission of manuscripts, presentation of research findings at scientific meetings and seminars, and securing project funding are essential to the success of a researcher. By participating in forums and workshops, fellows polish their scientific writing, oral presentation, and proposal writing skills.

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Mentoring

Each fellow works closely with mentors to optimize the experience. Mentors are established senior investigators in women's health research who are affiliated with three of the nation’s premier research institutions: University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Duke University, and FHI 360, all located in close proximity.  Mentors provide comprehensive guidance for conducting research projects including: initial hypothesis development, protocol development, securing protocol approval by the IRB, project implementation, data analysis, scientific writing, grant writing, and presenting research results.

Clinical mentors and additional resource faculty are actively involved in preparing each fellow for a successful career in clinical research.  Mentors provide consultative expertise, career planning, and networking among the partnering institutions, and national and international organizations.

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Time Commitment and Salary Support

Fellows will have a minimum of 75% protected time for research and academic studies, with 10-20% clinical time. A stipend and tuition support is provided.

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Research Examples

The following are examples of research conducted by TECT Fellows:

• Use of the levonorgestrel-releasing IUD for treating symptomatic fibroids
• Cochrane systematic review on visual inspection of the cervix with acetic acid for neoplasia screening in developing countries
• Randomized trial of pharmacy-administered DepoProvera compared to usual care
• Treatment matching, treatment intensity, and substance use treatment outcomes of pregnant and parenting women
• Self-administration of subcutaneous administration of depo medroxyprogesterone acetate
• Selective use of emergency contraception among low-risk populations
• Associations between prior IUD use and improved contraception efficacy knowledge
• Factors associated with unmet need for contraception in Haitian women

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Eligibility Requirements

1. Completed residency in obstetrics and gynecology; and
2. Must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national of the U.S., or have permanent resident status in U.S.

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Application Process

To be considered for the fellowship starting July 2012, please submit an application packet containing:

1. A current curriculum vitae;
2. Three letters of recommendation (including one from your current program director or department chair;
3. A one-page personal statement describing your research interests and how they relate to reproductive health and contraception. Personal statements should summarize:
   - previous research experience
   - prior training in biostatistics, epidemiology, clinical evaluative studies, and other related training
   - your long-term career goals and how this program will help you fulfill them
4. Applications are considered on a rolling basis. Therefore, early submissions are encouraged.

Completed applications must be received no later than January 15, 2012

Applications will be considered and interviews will be scheduled in the order they are received. Early applications are encouraged to allow sufficient time for receipt of letters of recommendation.

Applications can be submitted two ways:

1. Email to:    
   Grace Fulton – grace.fulton@duke.edu

2.    Mail to:

Training in Epidemiology & Clinical Trials
c/o Grace Fulton
Duke University at Patterson Place
5324 McFarland Dr., Suite 310, Room 3233
DUMC 3192
Durham, NC 27707

Questions? 
If you have questions or need additional information about the fellowship, please send an email to:

Grace Fulton:
grace.fulton@duke.edu or call 919-401-1017

The Triangle Clinical Research Fellowship is supported by the National Institutes of Health. 
National Research Service Award #5T32HD040672-11 from the National Institute of Child Health & Human Development.

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