Email this pageAbout the Program
Specific program objectives include:
- Preparing individuals in fundamentals of disease pathophysiology.
- Provision of in-depth mentoring to assure productive research training.
- Education for transition of scientists and clinicians to independent research careers.
- Teaching fundamental theory and knowledge in the subject areas of biostatistics, epidemiology, laboratory methods and analytical procedures essential to clinical research.
- Providing a critical environment fostering inquiry, integrity, teaching skills and high productivity.
Skill-building Workshops and Seminars
The University of Rochester Clinical and Translational Science Institute has developed a series of skill-building workshops and seminars that bring together scholars and trainees in many training programs. These opportunities provide hands-on training and practical knowledge necessary to carry out a successful research program, and also create a community of scholars devoted to translational science. Click here for a listing of required and optional workshops.
Research Rotations
Rotations in the first year of study and the summer before and after in different laboratories introduce the student to the scientific thought and method. The candidates gain experience in research, attend research seminars, and practice their communication skills. Furthermore they become familiar with prospective research advisors for their thesis project. At the end of the first year, students choose a permanent advisor and embark on a Ph.D. thesis research program. Students may choose any faculty member in the School of Medicine and Dentistry with an appropriate research program as their research advisor.
Qualifying Examination
The qualifying examination at the end of the fourth semester (or with committee permission by the end of the sixth semester) consists of an oral examination by the student’s advisory committee / mentoring committee, composed of co-advisors (Clinical Translational Investigator and a basic scientist appropriate to the research area) and two additional faculty members from different disciplines relevant to translational research. The examination is based on a written proposal reflecting the chosen research project and will emphasize ability to utilize information to analyze and offer solutions to problems, and propose unique directions for future research. No comprehensive examination of formal coursework is intended, however, adequacy of knowledge and appreciation are assessed.
