Intensive Course in Clinical Research

The Intensive Course in Clinical Research (ICCR) is a one-week immersion course for novice clinical investigators, senior residents, fellows, and junior faculty (Assistant Professor and below from any faculty line) at Stanford interested in pursuing a career in clinical and translational research at Stanford and who have not had formal training in clinical research as part of a Masters or PhD degree program in Public Health or Epidemiology.

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Overview

During the course, students spend five days and four evenings immersed in all aspects of research study design and performance. The format combines didactics with intense group/team activities focused on practical issues in clinical research design—from selection of a researchable study question through the actual writing of a research proposal. Lectures and panel discussions are presented by an accomplished faculty of Stanford clinical researchers and key leaders from the Stanford community. Every presentation includes a discussion of relevant issues.

Course Dates: Sept. 8 – 17, 2023

Courses will be held in-person

Deadlines

Nominations: Friday, June 30, 2023
Participant Confirmation: Monday, July 10, 2023
Proposals and Slides: Monday, Aug. 7, 2023

How To Apply

To attend, Stanford participants can self-register or be nominated by their Department Chair or Division Chief. Participants may attend the full program (submit a proposal and be assigned to a mentored team) or audit (lectures only). If self-registering for the program, add the name of your department chair as they will be notified of your attendance and commitment to the course.

There are 30 full-time slots available on a first-come-first served basis. Additional slots may be available closer to the course date.

Course Directors

Steven Goodman, MD, MHS, PhD
Professor of Epidemiology and Population Health
Associate Dean of Clinical and Translational Research

Steven Alexander, MD
Professor of Pediatrics, Nephrology

Mary Leonard, MD
Professor and Chair, Pediatrics

Rita Popat, PhD, MS
Clinical Associate Professor, Epidemiology and Population Health

Key Benefits

ICCR explores career advancement, time management, and the challenges of clinical trials research, and provides opportunities to discuss individual projects and collaborate with peers and mentors.
ICCR inspires networking across departments with an extended network of colleagues and provides resources to achieve successful clinical and translational research projects.
Course objectives:
- Learn about the different types of designs for clinical research and their advantages and disadvantages for addressing different clinical issues.
- Conceptualize a clinical decision problem as a researchable question and choose an appropriate design.
- Efficiently use resources such as statistical and data management consultation to appropriately size the study.
- Learn how to choose among the various types of endpoints and analyses.
- Learn how to anticipate and address ethical issues that may arise as a result of the study design and elicit valid informed consent.

Participant Commitment

Students must bring a personal commitment to focus on the course for the full week (including evenings and the weekend) and are required to be relieved of all clinical and other work-related responsibilities for the duration of the course. The department chair/division chief/fellowship director selects and nominates prospective course participants through a nomination form whereby they release nominees from all clinical and work-related duties during the week of the course.