To be successful, fellows require focused didactic training, expert mentoring and a clear research plan. At the start of the 2-year program, fellows and senior mentors will develop a training plan that is tailored to the background and interests of each fellow and the resources available at the SFVAMC and UCSF. We expect fellows to develop content and methodologic expertise, strong communications skills, and experience and skill in building and leading teams.
In the first year, fellows will complete didactic training through the UCSF Training in Clinical Research program https://ticr.ucsf.edu/. Depending on prior experience, Fellows will complete either the Advanced Training in Clinical Research program (1 year) or the Masters Degree in Clinical Research (2 years). This training is focused on core disciplines in clinical research including epidemiologic methods, biostatistics, clinical trials, molecular methods, medical informatics, scientific writing, grant preparation, and research ethics.
The second year will focus on completion of research and writing projects under the supervision of senior faculty. Mentors will provide access to existing databases and repositories of biological specimens, advice in selection of research projects, assistance in study design and performance, guidance in ethical conduct of research and career counseling.
Clinical work will include office-based gynecology and gynecologic surgery at the San Francisco VA Medical Center with a potential opportunity to practice inpatient obstetrics and gynecologic surgery at the UCSF Mission Bay campus.