Clinical Investigator (Bedside to Bench)
Pathway 1 is intended for those who have completed a residency and subspecialty fellowship but have minimal previous research experience. For these CDWH scholars, the program will involve up to two years of intensive didactic experience focused on clinical investigation and epidemiology or outcomes research, plus four years of mentored research experience. These candidates will be strongly encouraged to begin their research development Program by completing relevant research course work in clinical investigation leading to a Master of Science in Clinical Investigation (MSCI) or Master of Public Health (MPH) degree.
An example of a Pathway 1 candidate is an individual who has completed an endocrinology fellowship and wishes to pursue a career as a clinical investigator in polycystic ovary syndrome but has no research training. A Pathway 1 candidate may also be an individual who wishes to switch from basic to clinical research.
Translational Scientist (Bench to Bedside)
Pathway 2 is for an individual who has completed clinical training and wishes to pursue basic research in women’s health but has no previous experience or has been away from the laboratory for a number of years. Pathway 2 may also include individuals who are switching from clinical to basic research. Pathway 2 provides the opportunity for didactic training in laboratory techniques and basic science during the first year of training. CDWH scholars will be strongly encouraged to take Frontiers in Reproduction as well as relevant courses specific to the CDWH scholar’s needs. These upper division undergrad or graduate courses are designed to provide in-depth coverage of topics and methods of thought to prepare the candidate for a successful career.
Core CDWH Class All BIRCWH scholars will be required to take the CDWH Core course, "Topics in Molecular Medicine" (Clinical Science 301 in the Graduate School Programs in Public Health). This course is held during the summer quarter and directed by Dr. Peter Kopp, a noted lecturer and endocrinologist. This course is designed to introduce CDWH scholars to concepts related to the molecular pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of disease. Topics to be covered include: an introduction to the principles of human genetics, including the organization of the human genome, the structure and function of chromosomes and genes, regulation of gene expression, transmission of human genetic disease, and basic genetic techniques; use of transgenic animals as models of human disease, molecular basis of Mendelian (monogenic), mitochondrial, and multifactorial complex diseases; approaches to the study of monogenic and multifactorial diseases; molecular approaches to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases; and ethical issues related to genetic studies. The course includes a series of illustrative case studies in molecular medicine. Disorders such as Huntington’s disease (autosomal dominant), cystic fibrosis (autosomal recessive), and diabetes mellitus (multifactorial) are discussed to illustrate the application of the basic principles described above to the study of genetic diseases. The CDWH scholar enrolled in the core class will be exposed to the cutting edge ideas in clinical biology, which forms a platform on which to develop a robust career. This investment in a common curricular base is one of the strengths of the program.
Sex and Gender Factors Affecting Women’s Health and Disease The sex and gender factors affecting women’s health and disease course will be taught by Drs. Dunaif and Woodruff and will cover topics in each of the major disciplines; Differences in Cardiovascular Disease Risk, Ovarian Biology, Obstetric and Gynecologic Disorders, Sex Differences in Sleep and Rheumatology & Osteoporosis. The NU BIRCWH primary mentors will present on their areas of research. The team teaching will ensure comprehensive presentation of both the clinical aspects as well as fundamental science. It is anticipated that many research ideas will be borne out of this class and intensive continuing work on R01 grant application will be an ongoing aspect of this program. A companion course, The Basic Science and the Biological Basis for Sex- and Gender-Related Differences is available at The Science of Sex and Gender in Human Health Online Course Web Site. The course includes six lessons, each of which will take from 20 minutes to an hour to complete. Taking the course is free and continuing education credit can be awarded for successful completion of the course. To receive credit, participants will be required to complete all six lesson quizzes with a score of at least 70 percent, and to complete a brief course evaluation form.
Women’s Health and Disease Journal Club All CDWH Scholars will meet once a month to discuss topics relevant to women’s health. This journal club led by Dr. Woodruff, will focus on one of the topic areas each month and reflect the interdisciplinary nature of the CDWH program. The CDWH scholars will be asked to read and present relevant, cutting edge papers and will be instructed in hypothesis-based thinking methods, experimental design, interpretation and critical thinking skills. Since the club will be hypothesis based, an in-depth understanding of specific science will not be required, rather CDWH scholars will benefit from the broad exposure of topics in women’s health and disease outside of their subspecialty. This will enhance the program in general and serve to expand the foundation from which each scholar understands and approaches women’s health and disease.
Faculty development will be a key component of the CDWH training program. CDWH scholars will be allowed to choose from a variety of courses and seminars in consultation with the mentors. This choice allows each scholar to tailor their training based on their individual development needs. Mentors will work with CDWH scholars to select appropriate Enrichment Courses and Curriculum Expansion activities. Instruction in the Responsible Conduct of Research. All CDWH Scholars will be required to take a formal course on the Responsible Conduct of Research such as the course given by the IGP: Colloquium on Integrity in Biomedical Research. This course covers conflict of interest, responsible authorship, policies for handling misconduct, policies regarding the use of human and animal subjects and data management. It includes interactive case-based discussions on these ethical issues. CDWH Scholars are encouraged to take the graduate course Ethics in Biological Research and Ethical Issues in Clinical Research, which covers the responsible conduct of human research in greater detail (see details below).
Vertebrate Endocrinology and Mammalian Reproduction. Both of these courses are taught by Dr. Jon Levine, CDWH mentor. Vertebrate Endocrinology covers the physiology and biochemistry of hormones and glands of internal secretion in vertebrates; endocrine glands. Mammalian Reproduction focuses on the molecular, cellular, physiological, and behavioral aspects of mammalian reproduction and comparison of strategies used by mammals in reproductive processes ranging from gamete production to neural control of reproductive hormones and behavior.
Advances in Molecular Endocrinology. This series, sponsored by the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center has as it’s aim to share recent research findings in the broad area of endocrinology focused on reproductive endocrinology. Approximately eight laboratories at Northwestern participate and other trainees are welcome to attend as their interest dictates. The format is such that one student or fellow presents their recent research, discusses its importance and obtains feedback on their anticipated research directions. The meeting is held weekly on the Evanston Campus.
Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology. This course will cover selected topics in cardiovascular disease with critical analysis of the current epidemiologic literature. Scholars will have the opportunity to study methodological issues, contemporary findings, and recommendations for future research.
Circadian Clocks: From Genes to Behavior. Taught by Fred Turek, CDWH mentor, this course will examine the primary literature that involves the elucidation of the molecular, neural, and physiological basis of circadian rhythms and the implications of temporal organization in animals.
Seminars, Symposia and Other Training Activities. A major part of ongoing education at Northwestern University is provided by a variety of high quality symposia, seminar series, journal clubs, data sessions, and retreats. Most of the seminar series occur on the Chicago campus, but there are also outstanding seminars on the Evanston campus. Scholars will be expected to utilize Grand Rounds from the Division of Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cardiology, the Division of Reproductive Biology Research, Rheumatology and Osteoporosis, Medicine and the Center for Reproductive Science Seminar Series. Taken together, the large group of lectures series offers a breadth of enrichment opportunities across several disciplines. Participation in seminars and symposia also provide the opportunity for networking with the speakers, program faculty and trainees during the informal break for refreshments. Speakers typically spend the day with faculty and trainees, providing opportunities for one-to-one and small group interactions. The Chicago Signal Transduction Symposium attracts an internationally recognized group of speakers and the Center for Reproductive Science Annual Minisymposium is brings together reproductive scientists and clinicians at the forefront of research.
Masters in Clinical Investigation. The Master's Degree Program in Clinical Investigation is sponsored by a consortium of Medical School departments and coordinated by the Northwestern Center for Clinical Research (NCCR) and the Departments of Medicine and Preventive Medicine. It offers a Master of Science in Clinical Investigation (MSCI) degree to students seeking to acquire the fundamental skills needed for a successful career in clinical investigation. The program complements the Master of Public Health Program in providing rigorous education in quantitative and ethically sound methods that are necessary for the design, implementation, analysis, and publication of clinical research studies. Courses include epidemiology, biostatistics, ethics, medical writing, molecular medicine, and modern laboratory techniques. They are offered elective courses in clinical trials, drug development, molecular epidemiology, and chronic disease epidemiology among others to further enhance their skills in patient-oriented translational or clinical epidemiology research.
Masters in Public Health. The mission of the Northwestern University Master of Public Health Degree Program is to provide an educational environment for health professionals that fosters acquisition of knowledge about the factors that contribute to the health and diseases of populations and to educate these individuals to be boundary spanners between professions engaged in clinical care and public health. The mission capitalizes on and emphasizes the unique resources available through Feinberg School of Medicine, its faculty, and the Chicago area. The program educates students to recognize and interpret research that contributes to better health outcomes and identify preventive strategies that may reduce and prevent health problems. This comprehensive public health program addresses at the individual level the concept of lifestyle behaviors aimed at reducing risk, at the organizational level the optimal delivery of care, and at the population level the concept of reduced frequency of disease. CDWH Scholars will capitalize on the programmatic and training strengths of the Masters in Clinical Investigation and Masters in Public Health programs by taking selected courses that pertain specifically to women’s health and disease.
Frontiers in Reproduction. The Frontiers in Reproduction Course was developed by CDWH Mentor Kelly Mayo together with two colleagues, to serve those newly independent reproductive scientists, clinical investigators and translational scientists in state-of-the-art research strategies and methods needed to pursue studies in reproduction. While the overall scope of the CDWH training is broad, fundamental knowledge in reproductive sciences is critical to the success of our candidates. The course is six weeks long and includes lectures, discussions, informal seminars, laboratory exercises, demonstrations and one-on-one tutorials. Three sections highlight signal transduction and gene expression, gametogenesis, fertilization, cloning and stem cells, transgenic technology, embryology and implantation biology. The graduates of this intensive ‘boot camp’ for reproductive scholars are prepared by instructors who are leading minds in a variety of disciplines. Outcomes measured for these students is outstanding and published in Biology of Reproduction, October 12, 2005. Dr, Mayo was a founder of this course and was succeeded by Dr. Woodruff. Dr. Jameson has taught in the course and Dr. Eileen Wang was one of the junior faculty members enrolled in the FIR class.
Annual Minisymposium on Reproductive Biology. Each year, CDWH scholars will present their research and/or participate as judges at the Annual Minisymposium on Reproductive Biology, sponsored by the Center for Reproductive Science. This symposium originated in 1980 as a mechanism for promoting scientific exchange within the reproductive science community at Northwestern. Over the years, it has grown significantly in scope and now attracts research scientists from universities throughout the Midwest. The Minisymposium is primarily an educational opportunity, facilitating the development of trainees. This event has provided an important forum for fostering scientific collaboration for 26 year and features a highly acclaimed keynote speaker each year who, is at the forefront of research. The Minisymposium is an ideal event for CDWH participation as it is multidisciplinary in nature and geared towards the development of trainees. |
