Department of
Medicine

Research Track

Through a partnership with WVU CTSI, WVU’s Research Track is pleased to offer advanced training in Clinical and Translational Science to residents with an interest in more intensive research training. Current PGY-1s can apply to the research track and get a master’s degree by end of residency if coursework is started the summer following PGY-1 year. Most courses are available online.

An alternative to the MS degree is pursuing a certificate (requires fewer credit hours) in either Clinical and Translational Science or Applied Biostatistics (through the School of Public Health). 

It may be possible to customize a research track curriculum. This would require meeting with Dr. Davisson to determine goals and to specify the deliverables that will be required to earn the research track certificate. 

Track Timeline

Spring PGY-1

  • Residents in good standing may apply to program (requires recommendation/support letter from Program Director and co-letter from Chair/Associate Program Director)

PGY-2

  • 18 credit hours (6 each semester, starting with summer semester) (may start end of PGY-1 year)
  • One-month research elective

PGY-3

  • 16 credit hours, including preparation of a grant proposal
  • Up to two months research electives
  • Oral or poster presentation of work (GME week and/or Van Liere, department morning report)
  • MS Degree conferred spring of PGY-3 year
  • Certificate of completion of resident research track. To receive track certificate, must complete a presentation and meet requirements for MS degree (not certificate).

M.S. Degree

The Masters of Science (MS) in Clinical and Translational Science is targeted to clinicians and scientists with health-related professional degrees, those seeking a dual degree (such as MD/MS), or health professional students. The MS degree expands upon Certificate coursework and provides mentored research training with required and elective courses, the latter to complement research needs and interests. The degree emphasizes a research project(s) that can be clinical (study of medications, devices, diagnostic products and treatments; may include clinical trials) and/or translational research (defined as research with human subjects or with populations or with direct application to human health). The degree culminates with a written grant proposal or thesis defended orally to three graduate faculty members.

In addition to required courses, trainees may choose elective coursework that complements their research needs and interests.

  • Core Didactic Coursework – 18 credits
  • Elective Courses – 6 credits
  • Grant Preparation – 1 credit
  • Research – 9 credits

If you are interested or have further questions, please contact our director, Dr. Laura Davisson: