Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics > Academic Programs > Post-Doctoral Education

Post-Doctoral Education

Jefferson College of Graduate Studies

The Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics has offered an NIH-sponsored Training Program in Human Investigation (K30) since 2001. A tri-fold brochure on the program can be requested. A short description of this training program with a list of core and elective courses is given below:

The following courses are required in the Human Investigation major ("sixth track") of the Master of Science in Pharmacology degree program offered by the College of Graduate Studies, which is an integral component of the K30 training program in Human Investigation (K30 program). The MS degree requires 40 credits; most physicians will be able to transfer 12 credits from medical school transcript. Any other courses from the core or track courses completed in previous programs may be replaced with "elective" courses as determined by the faculty advisor on a case-by-case basis. For more information on the Master of Science degree requirements, course descriptions, etc. please refer to the College of Graduate Sciences (CGS) website (LINK):

Master of Science in Pharmacology

* Physicians may receive up to 12 credits for studies in medical school (transfer credits cover BI 550, PR 522 and Clerkship = 12)

** K30 seminars used; register for PR 720 and attend 12 one hour sessions with Dr. Waldman - must work with seminar instructor to insert grade at end of semester

Introduction. Thomas Jefferson University has established an NIH-sponsored training program in human biomedical investigation that integrates formal training in disciplines central to clinical investigation, practical experience in clinical trials execution and opportunities to design individualized clinical studies with direct mentoring. Participants who successfully complete the two-year program will be eligible for a Masters Degree. The overall goal of the program is to integrate training in human research methodologies with extensive exposure to, and participation in ongoing clinical research programs at the University as well as clinical research of the students' design and execution. The program is designed to produce investigators who can establish competitive clinical research programs in their primary disciplines.

Qualifications of Accepted Trainees. The program is focused on training investigators in clinical research to enable them to assume leadership positions in academic centers, in governmental regulatory agencies or the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry. For physician applicants, priority is given to those who are board-eligible in their primary specialty and/or are in subspecialty training programs. Ph.D., R.N., Pharm.D. and other applicants are evaluated on the basis of their past activities, research interest area(s), and career goals as they relate to clinical investigation. Faculty members are eligible as well.

Distribution of Trainees' Effort. Most of the trainees' time in this program during the first year is devoted to classroom-based studies. Also, trainees usually select a research mentor during the first 3 months of training. The trainee is expected during the first year to implement at least one clinical investigation in the Thomas Jefferson University Clinical Research Unit, gaining expertise in clinical study design, execution and data analysis. Year two is devoted predominantly to elective study and pursuit of individual clinical research relevant to the student's primary area of interest. The program has been designed to complement, not replace, ongoing training/work schedules of all participants.

Trainee Guidance and Evaluation. Overall guidance and evaluation of performance is the responsibility of the Program's Directors with input from the Program's Advisory Committee. Fellows receive training in the form of a recommended curriculum and required journal clubs, research seminars, experiences reviewing clinical protocols within the institution, and a rotation in the Editorial offices of the Annals of Internal Medicine. These didactic and clinical experiences continue through the 2 years of the training program. Trainees will identify mentors for their primary research training in consultation with the Program's Directors. Specific preceptors are responsible for evaluating research progress while the Program Directors regularly meet with students to assess progress.

Expectations of Participants Who Complete the Program. The overall goals of the program are to impart to trainees the requisite expertise in the concepts, approaches, and techniques of clinical investigation to facilitate their development as independent investigators. Specifically, trainees completing the program will have:

• Completed 40 credit hours of study (including research, elective and, if applicable, credit for prior courses);
• Participated in at least one study in Jefferson's Clinical Research Unit of sufficient scientific rigor to result in presentation at a national meeting and/or publication in peer-reviewed journal;
• Designed, implemented and analyzed an original clinical research project in their specific area of interest of sufficient scientific rigor to present at national meetings and/or publish in a peer-reviewed journal.

Upon completion of their training, it is expected that participants will be uniquely qualified for positions in academic medical centers emphasizing clinical research as well as positions in the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry, and governmental agencies.

Application Procedure. Interested individuals should forward an application for admission to the College of Graduate Studies; a letter outlining their intent to obtain training in clinical investigation and a statement of career goals; at least 3 letters of recommendation including, where appropriate, letters from prior mentors, program directors, and supervisors; copy of medical school transcripts and diplomas; certificates of completion of clinical or professional training; and professional certification exam scores; and copy of C.V. to: