Clinical Research Methodology Program (CRMP)

The Department of Medicine Clinical Research Methodology Program (CRMP) is a premier faculty development initiative designed to prepare the next generation of clinician researchers. The program provides structured education, mentorship, and practical experience in the design, implementation, analysis, and dissemination of clinical research.

The overarching goal of the CRMP is to ensure that scholars develop a strong foundation in designing, implementing, analyzing, and interpreting clinical research studies while acquiring the skills necessary to launch successful academic research careers.

The CRMP is offered on a biennial (every other year) basis, allowing time for program evaluation, curriculum enhancement, assessment of scholar outcomes, and continued program development between cohorts.

The program builds upon a successful pilot initiative and subsequent program evaluation that demonstrated strong participant satisfaction, scholarly productivity, and measurable research outcomes. Program graduates have secured research funding, published scholarly work, and continued to pursue clinical research opportunities following program completion.

Program Mission

The Clinical Research Methodology Program seeks to provide mentoring, education, and practical research experience to Department of Medicine junior faculty and senior fellows interested in pursuing careers in clinical research.

The program emphasizes:

• Scientific research methods and study design
• Clinical trial development and implementation
• Statistical design and interpretation
• Grant writing and funding opportunities
• Research project development
• Scientific communication and dissemination
• Mentorship and collaboration
• Career development for clinician investigators

Program Goals

The CRMP is designed to:

• Provide mentoring and education to junior faculty and senior fellows interested in clinical research.
• Foster mentorship and research collaboration among scholars and experienced investigators.
• Assist participants in developing a research project that serves as a foundation for future grant development.
• Enhance understanding of research methodology, study design, and statistical interpretation.
• Develop skills necessary to successfully pursue research funding.
• Create opportunities for networking and collaboration across disciplines.
• Support long-term career development and continued participation in research activities.

Who Should Apply?

The CRMP is designed for:

• Department of Medicine Junior Faculty
• Department of Medicine Senior Fellows

Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in developing a career in clinical research and a commitment to scholarly activity.

Faculty applicants should generally meet NIH Early Career Investigator criteria, typically within ten years of completing postgraduate training.

Cohort Size

To maintain a highly interactive and personalized learning environment, enrollment is limited to up to 10 scholars per program cycle.

Program Structure

The CRMP combines:

• Interactive seminars
• Small-group workshops
• Faculty mentoring
• Project development sessions
• Independent learning activities
• Structured feedback opportunities
• Final project presentations

Lessons learned from previous cohorts and formal program evaluation demonstrated a strong preference for interactive, discussion-based learning, mentorship, and collaborative project development. The program therefore emphasizes active participation, engagement with faculty experts, and practical application of research concepts.

Program Dates

October 2026-2027

Curriculum Highlights

Core topics include:

Research Development

• Developing a research question
• Formulating and refining Specific Aims
• Proposal development
• Research project management

Study Design & Methodology

• Common study designs
• Clinical trial design
• Translational and clinical research methodology
• Data collection strategies

Statistics & Data Interpretation

• Working effectively with biostatisticians
• Statistical design considerations
• Interpretation of study results
• Critical appraisal of published literature

Scholarly Communication

• Grant writing fundamentals
• Funding mechanisms and opportunities
• Manuscript preparation
• Scientific presentations
• Peer review and publishing

Professional Development

• Building mentorship networks
• Research collaboration
• Career development planning
• Professional networking

Scholar Expectations

Participants are expected to:

• Attend and actively engage in scheduled sessions.
• Complete required readings and assignments.
• Participate in discussions and small-group activities.
• Develop and refine a mentored research project.
• Submit a Specific Aims page that will be refined throughout the program.
• Present their project at both the beginning and conclusion of the program.
• Demonstrate commitment to scholarly growth and collaboration.

Scholar Benefits

Protected Time

Participants receive protected time from their Division Chief or Center Director to fully participate in CRMP activities, seminars, project development, and scholarly work.

Historically, participation has represented approximately 10% effort dedicated to educational activities, assignments, project development, and independent learning.

Scholar Development Stipend

Each scholar receives a:

$1,000 Professional Development Stipend

The stipend may be used to support:

• Travel to national or international scientific meetings
• Conference attendance
• Abstract submission fees
• Publication expenses
• Research dissemination activities
• Other approved scholarly pursuits

Competitive Pilot Research Award

In addition to the scholar stipend, participants are eligible to compete for a Department of Medicine research award.

$5,000-$10,000 Pilot Research Award

At the conclusion of the program, the scholar with the strongest Specific Aims submission and project proposal will be eligible to receive a Department of Medicine Research and Education Pilot Award.

This competitive award is intended to directly support implementation of the proposed research project and may be used toward approved project-related research expenses.

Additional Benefits

Participants also receive:

• Certificate of Completion
• Individualized mentorship from established investigators
• Access to institutional research resources
• Networking opportunities with research leaders
• Guidance on future funding opportunities
• Continued engagement with the Department of Medicine research community

Application Requirements

A complete application must include:

• Cover Letter
• Specific Aims Page
• Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Letter of Support from the Division Chief or Center Director

The support letter should address:

• The applicant's commitment to the program
• Anticipated benefit to the applicant
• Potential impact on the department and institution
• Commitment to providing protected time for participation

Why Participate?

The CRMP provides emerging investigators with the tools, mentorship, infrastructure, and support necessary to transition from research interest to research independence.

Through guided project development, individualized mentorship, practical instruction, and exposure to institutional research resources, scholars leave the program with:

• A refined research proposal
• A strengthened mentorship network
• Enhanced understanding of clinical research methodology
• Improved grant development skills
• Greater readiness for future funding opportunities
• A foundation for scholarly productivity and academic advancement

Because the CRMP is offered only once every two years, participation provides a unique opportunity for junior faculty and senior fellows to engage in a structured Department of Medicine research development experience that may not be available again until the next program cycle.

Quick Facts

• Biennial Program (Offered Every Other Year)
• October 2026 – May 2027
• Up to 10 Scholars Per Cohort
• $1,000 Professional Development Stipend for Every Scholar
• $5,000-$10,000 Competitive Pilot Research Award
• Protected Time Supported by Division Leadership
• Faculty Mentorship & Grant Development
• Research Project Development from Concept to Proposal

Contact Information

For additional information regarding the Clinical Research Methodology Program, please contact:

Carla Casulo, MD
Program Director

Allison Magnuson, DO
Assistant Director

Angela Branche, MD
Assistant Director

Nicole O'Dell, PhD
Program Co-Administrator

Jessica Syposs, MPA
Program Manager & Administrator