There are three individual training tracks (see Figure below). While there is considerable overlap and cross-fertilization of the activities of the trainees in each track, we recognize that to prepare individuals adequately for the career that he/she has chosen to pursue requires a focused approach.
All three tracks will receive training in the core curriculum. The first track is for all pre-doctoral students and all MD's who want to develop a career in basic science research, and any PhD's whose dissertation research provides insufficient background for a career in basic science research. Trainees in this first track will participate in a series of didactic activities to provide them the background to accelerate their acquisition of the tools necessary to become independent basic scientists. For example, all trainees in Track I will receive training in Molecular Techniques for Neuroscientists.
The second track is for all pre-doctoral students and all MD's and PhD's who want to pursue a career in patient-oriented or applied research, but lack the necessary clinical research training to begin working immediately on a patient-oriented research protocol. Trainees in this second track will have a separately tailored didactic program, which includes an intensive summer program at the Harvard School of Public Health (selected units from the Program in Clinical Effectiveness), a structured laboratory experience, and an additional course in biostatistics.
In the third track, post-doctoral trainees who have developed relevant basic science or patient-oriented research skills while carrying out their doctoral research will move directly from the core curriculum to the preceptorship. Finally, trainees from each of the three tracks will finish their research training under one, or occasionally more than one, preceptor.
View Research Training Program academic requirements.
