Microsoft word - crgg mas proposal 6-6-04 final

A PROPOSAL FOR A GRADUATE GROUP IN CLINICAL RESEARCH
WITH A MASTER OF ADVANCED STUDY DEGREE
IN CLINICAL RESEARCH
Submitted April, 2004
Revised June 4, 2004
Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY . 3
SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND . 4
Brief Description of Program . 4 1.1 Aim and Objectives . 5 1.2 Historical Development . 6 1.3 Timetable for Development . 6 1.4 Relation of proposed program to existing programs . 7 1.5 Interrelationship of the program with other University of California institutions . 7 1.6 Department or group which will administer the program . 7 1.7 Evaluation of program . 7 SECTION 2: PROGRAM . 8
2.1 Preparation for Admission . 8 2.2 Foreign Language. 8 2.3 Program of Study . 9 2.4 Field Examinations . 10 2.5 Qualifying Examinations . 10 2.6 Thesis and/or dissertation . 10 2.7 Final Examination . 10 2.8 Special Requirements over and above Graduate Division minimum requirements . 10 2.9 Relationship of Master’s and Doctor’s programs . 10 2.10 Special preparation for careers in teaching . 11 2.11 Sample Program . 11 2.12 Normative Time from matriculation to degree . 11 SECTION 3: PROJECTED NEEDS . 12
3.1 Student Demand . 12 3.2 Opportunities for graduates . 12 3.3 Importance to the discipline . 12 3.4 Ways in which the program will meet the needs of society . 12 3.5 Relationship of program to research / professional interests of faculty . 13 3.6 Program differentiation . 13 SECTION 4: FACULTY . 13
School of Medicine . 14 UCD Schools, Colleges, Departments & Affiliates . 16 SECTION 5: COURSES . 17
5.1 Additional Curriculum Requirements (workshops and seminars) . 20 5.2 Staffing plan . 22 SECTION 6: RESOURCE REQUIREMENTS . 22
6.1 FTE faculty . 22 6.2 Library acquisition . 22 6.3 Computing costs . 23 6.4 Equipment . 23 6.5 Space and other capital facilities . 23 6.6 Other operating costs . 23 SECTION 7: GRADUATE STUDENT SUPPORT . 23
SECTION 8: CHANGES IN SENATE REGULATIONS . 23
SECTION 9: APPENDICES . 23
A PROPOSAL FOR A GRADUATE GROUP IN CLINICAL RESEARCH
WITH A MASTER OF ADVANCED STUDY DEGREE
IN CLINICAL RESEARCH

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This is a proposal to create a Clinical Research Graduate Group (CRGG) that will offer a Master
of Advanced Study (MAS) degree in Clinical Research. The Mentored Clinical Research
Training Program (MCRTP) will provide the framework and infrastructure for the CRGG and the
MAS degree. The MCRTP has the endorsement and support of the Deans of the School of
Medicine (SOM) and the Division of Biological Sciences (DBS) as well as the support of the
School of Veterinary Medicine (SOVM), the Department of Biomedical Engineering (DBE) and
many regional partner affiliates. The Dean of the School of Medicine and CEO of the Health
System has allocated critical funding support for the CRGG MAS degree program. (See Letters
of Support, Appendix A)
Prospective students for this program include physicians, pharmacists, biomedical and other
scientists, psychologists, and nurses with advanced training. The program will equip its
graduates with the knowledge and experience they need to conduct authoritative clinical and
translational research, and clinical trials, leading to practical use of scientific and
biotechnological advances. The graduates will obtain a set of useful and practical skills for
collaborative, team-based research focused on clinical and translational questions.
The University of California, Davis (UCD) has submitted a Clinical Research Curriculum Award
(K30) application to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and review is pending. The K30 is
awarded to provide support for institutional infrastructure to inaugurate or expand formal training
in clinical research. With the K30, UCD would join 55 institutions nationwide (including UCLA,
UCSF, and UCSD) that have received this funding. The K30 grant program reflects the belief,
shared by NIH and leaders in the nation’s medical and scientific communities, that highly trained
clinical researchers are needed to capitalize on the many new and profound developments and
discoveries in basic biomedical science and to translate them into clinically useful therapies.
The formation of a CRGG MAS degree in clinical research would respond to this critical need.
This proposal outlines a 48-unit MAS degree curriculum that students can complete in a flexible
manner over a period not less than two years. Mandatory course work includes biostatistics,
epidemiology, patient-oriented research, health services research, data management /
informatics, scientific communication, research management, and career development. These
courses, seminars, and workshops will constitute a total of 25 units. Electives (15 units) and a
mentored research project (8 units) will increase the unit total to 48. The proposed Masters of
Advanced Study in Clinical Research will be awarded by the CRGG upon successful completion
of the program.
The overall cost of the CRGG MAS program is expected to be in line with a typical UCD
graduate degree. The School of Medicine, Dean’s Office, is underwriting the CRGG MAS
degree program. In addition, extramural funding may be derived from other sources such as the
K30, and other training grant mechanisms as well as corporate and foundation awards. When
appropriate, we envision integrating recent program graduates to participate as instructors and
mentors. We estimate that the program will become self-sufficient within the first five years.
UCD’s CRGG MAS program includes a unique collaboration with faculty campus-wide
(mentioned above), and with regional partner affiliates including the Veterans Affairs Northern
California Health Care System (VANCHS), Shriners Hospital, Childrens Hospital Oakland
Research Institute (CHORI), and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). The
multidisciplinary nature of the program will be captured by the formation of a new Clinical
Research Graduate Group (CRGG). The CRGG MAS programs’ collaborative, multidisciplinary
perspective will role model the type of team-based science that will advance future patient-
oriented research. In this manner, the CRGG MAS program will foster a vision of clinical
research at UCD that meets the needs of the diverse communities we serve.

SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
Brief Description of Program

The UC Davis School of Medicine, in cooperation with the Division of Biological Sciences, the
School of Veterinary Medicine, and the Department of Bioengineering, propose the formation of
a new Clinical Research Graduate Group (CRGG) to award the degree Masters of Advanced
Study (MAS) in Clinical Research. The CRGG MAS program will equip its graduates with the
knowledge and experience they need to conduct authoritative clinical and translational
research, and clinical trials, leading to practical use of scientific and biotechnological advances.
The CRGG MAS program’s collaborative, multidisciplinary perspective role models the type of
team-based science that will advance future patient-oriented research and fosters a vision of
clinical research at UCD that meets the needs of the diverse communities we serve.
The program will consist of 48 units and require a minimum of two years of study. The MAS
degree by design and definition is meant to offer flexibility in execution and completion. The
University of California, San Diego (UCSD) has a similar MAS degree program in Clinical
Research and describes the MAS flexibility:
“As defined by the UC Academic Senate, the degree is supplemental rather than terminal; that is, it assumes students have already achieved an advanced medical or scientific degree, are studying towards one, or possess an advanced degree in a relevant healthcare or biotechnical area. Because the students already possess basic scientific and medical knowledge, the MAS degree program supplements this knowledge by showing them how to conduct and manage clinical research and deal with ethical and regulatory issues associated with such research.” For additional information on the nature of an MAS degree and its place in the University of California educational system, see Appendix B. The CRGG MAS degree will assist UCD in responding to a national need for highly trained clinical researchers to capitalize on the many profound developments and discoveries in basic biomedical science and to translate them into clinically useful therapies. This need has been recognized by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which in May 1999 awarded the first of three rounds of Clinical Research Curriculum Awards (K30) to a total of 55 medical schools at major U.S. universities -- 35 in the first round, 20 in the second. UCD’s School of Medicine (SOM) has a strong proposal pending award in the current round of funding -- an acknowledgement of its national stature. The comprehensive curriculum and mentored research embodied in the proposed MAS degree program capitalizes on strategic initiatives and institutional momentum present at the University of California Davis Health System (UCDHS). This momentum is represented by a consolidated leadership that understands, and actively prioritizes the clinical research mission and the career development of clinical researchers. The positive institutional momentum has formed a cohesive and collaborative culture which offers a diverse and multidisciplinary environment
conducive to clinical and translational mentored research. Within this collaborative atmosphere,
prominent senior mentors have emerged and provide an excellent foundation for student career
development and advising. In addition, strategic investments have resulted in a growing
program of patient-oriented clinical and translational research, providing outstanding
opportunities for mentored research experiences for students.
The CRGG MAS program seeks to graduate individuals who will conduct clinical research with
full understanding of the best scientific, ethical, regulatory, and management practices. The
CRGG MAS degree program is characterized by three core elements:
 didactic instruction to extend essential clinical research skills;
 mentored research experience; and
 special experiences, including integrated workshops which offer students advanced and
more directed skills; topical seminars which offer students exposure to the conduct of clinical research in their own research area; and annual retreats during which students present their research.
1.1 Aim and Objectives

Goal 1: The CRGG MAS program will provide students the didactic training, mentored
research experience, and peer support environment needed to complete innovative
clinical research.
To accomplish Goal 1, a Clinical Research Graduate Group (CRGG) will offer a formal two-year curriculum leading to a MAS degree in Clinical Research. This program will include:  A flexible and didactic curriculum tailored to the needs of the student  Mentored research experiences using a consortium of outstanding mentors in research focus areas (cancer, infectious disease, neurosciences, vascular disease)  Specialized workshops, seminars, and retreats to augment didactic classes  Systematic participant evaluation, feedback, and tracking of outcomes
Goal 2: The CRGG MAS program will help position UC Davis as a nationally recognized
clinical research leader, consistent with the identification of clinical research as a
focus in our School of Medicine strategic plan.

To accomplish Goal 2, we will coordinate faculty into a Clinical Research Graduate Group
(CRGG) to offer a single, highly visible, consolidated and multidisciplinary training program with
significant institutional support. The CRGG MAS program will be flexible and able to respond to
individual students career and professional research interests. The result will be a growing
cadre of investigators with a patient-oriented research focus. Together with a series of other
initiatives to improve clinical research faculty skills, study opportunities, and support
infrastructures, the MAS degree of the CRGG will serve as a focal point to achieve our
organizational goal of excellence in clinical research. We anticipate that over time the CRGG
MAS program will aid in the recruitment and retention of nationally known faculty.
Goal 3: The CRGG MAS program will extend the vision and mission of clinical research
beyond the School of Medicine (SOM) to other UC Davis programs and to affiliated
partner sites.
To accomplish Goal 3, the proposed Clinical Research Graduate Group (CRGG) will build upon
established departmental and faculty relationships in the research study areas of preclinical and
clinical research, as well as bridge areas that lead to translational research. The CRGG will
provide a solid foundation for the core curriculum, workshops and seminars of the MAS degree,
and expert mentors for the mentored research component. An outstanding group of faculty
mentors from the College of Argricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), the School of
Veterinary Medicine (SOVM), the Division of Biological Sciences (DBS), the Department of
Biomedical Engineering (DBE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), and the
School of Medicine (SOM) have already been identified. (See Appendix C) The inclusion of
faculty and students from these campus programs will provide a unique, multidisciplinary
perspective and potential for new approaches to advance our patient-oriented research
achievements.
The CRGG MAS program will also interact closely with partners at our affiliated sites, including
the Veterans Affairs Northern California Health Care System (VANCHS), Shriners Hospital,
Childrens Hospital Oakland Research Institute, (CHORI), and Lawrence Livermore National
Laboratory (LLNL), and our Primary Care Network (PCN) to advance our vision of clinical
research to meet the needs of the communities we serve. These programs will provide
outstanding opportunities for mentored research experiences and will role model the type of
team science that will advance future patient-oriented research.
1.2 Historical Development

The CRGG MAS degree responds to a national need for highly trained clinical researchers to
capitalize on the many profound developments and discoveries in basic biomedical science and
to translate them into clinically useful therapies. This need has been recognized by the National
Institutes of Health (NIH), which in May 1999 awarded the first of three rounds of Clinical
Research Curriculum Awards (K30) to a total of 55 medical schools at major U.S. universities --
35 in the first round, 20 in the second. UCD’s School of Medicine (SOM) has a strong proposal
pending award in the current round of funding. The NIH K30 program has emphasized the
importance of participating institutions awarding a Masters degree to students as a desired
priority outcome. The MAS degree appropriately represents the rigor and level of formalized
training that our students will receive. The majority of successful K30 awardee institutions,
nationally and in the UC system (UCSF, UCSD, UCLA), award a Masters degree. It has
essentially become a national standard for Clinical Research Training programs.
1.3 Timetable for Development
2004-2005
1.4 Relation of proposed program to existing programs

The proposed CRGG MAS program will not impact existing campus enrollment. The estimated
enrollment of 10-12 students per year will primarily be drawn from UCD post-doctoral students
and junior faculty. The CRGG MAS degree program will be available to UCD faculty who wish
to pursue a career in clinical research. The unique clinical research focus of the CRGG MAS
degree will not significantly impact other UCD programs.
The formation of a new Clinical Research Graduate Group (CRGG) has the potential to
enhance the prospect of faculty participation between Graduate Groups through bridging
opportunities, e.g., clinical translational perspective for all biomedical science. Examples of
potential collaborative groups are: biostatistics, epidemiology, medical informatics,
neuroscience, pharmacology & toxicology, microbiology, and biomedical engineering. (See
Letters of Support, Appendix A)
1.5 Interrelationship of the program with other University of California institutions

Currently, three University of California institutions (UCLA, UCSD, UCSF) have Master degree
programs in Clinical Research. The programs are geographically distant and each contain
components specifically tailored to the home UC campus. The UCD proposed CRGG MAS
degree program is geographically distant from the current programs and contains components
specifically tailored to the local UCD campus environment. For this reason, the CRGG MAS
program will not be in competition with exiting programs at UCLA, UCSD, and UCSF. (See
Letters of Support, Appendix A)
The proposed CRGG MAS program, similar to other successful programs includes didactic
instruction in foundational clinical research skills as well as practical application of these skills
through a mentored clinical research project. The UCD CRGG MAS program’s two year
mentored research experience is specifically designed to offer an opportunity for practical
application of the newly learned skills, and through the mentoring relationship (mentor and
advisory committee), will offer the student a team-based, collaborative introduction and
approach to clinical research problem-solving, and clinical career development. Additionally, an
annual retreat will provide students with an off campus opportunity to practice team-based,
collaborative research skills as they present their research to an Internal Advisory Committee
and an External Advisory Board in a peer-reviewed format and forum.
1.6 Department or group which will administer the program

The CRGG MAS degree program administrative home will be the Dean’s Office, School of
Medicine. The MAS degree program will be administered by the Clinical Research Graduate
Group. The proposed Graduate Group chair is the School of Medicine’s Assistant Dean of
Research, Dr. Lars Berglund. The administrative staff includes a Program Manager, and
Program Representative. The UCD Graduate Council will review the Clinical Research
Graduate group academic policies and processes as mandated.
1.7 Evaluation of program

The CRGG Chair will be responsible for preparing an annual report summarizing all of the
evaluative measures and assessing any need for modification to the curriculum or other aspects
of the MAS program. The annual report will be reviewed by the CRGG before being sent to the
Dean of Graduate Studies. In addition, the CRGG MAS degree program will follow the
prescribed review processes as defined by the UCD Graduate Council. The Graduate Council’s
Program Review Committee typically reviews new Master’s programs three years after students
are first admitted. Thereafter, the MAS in Clinical Research program will be reviewed based on
the periodic graduate program review cycle of 7 years.
SECTION 2: PROGRAM

In 1998, President Atkinson characterized the MAS as a degree program that:
 serves specific groups of working professionals with well-defined needs  offered on a schedule and/or in a location that would increase access for working adults
The proposed CRGG MAS degree program is specifically designed to achieve the characteristic
flexibility of the MAS degree. The CRGG MAS degree program’s flexibility is built into the
curriculum (didactic instruction, summer session, mentored research, workshops, seminars and
annual retreat), and infrastructure specifically to accommodate the needs of our working
professional program participants. The time commitment to the mentor meetings and research
experience is completely adaptable to the student and mentor schedule. The seminars will be
offered on a variety of different days at varying times and in a variety of formats. Students will
be able to choose appropriate seminars based on their research interest and available time.
The integrated workshops will generally be half-day events offered at a variety of times
(mornings and evenings) and days with the possibility of some workshops being offered on
Saturday mornings. While the time commitment is greater than a seminar, the student still have
the flexibility to choose the appropriate workshop topic and time for their individual interest and
schedule. The annual retreat is an off-site weekend event that will not interfere with the
student’s work week schedule. The summer session is the most intensive time commitment.
Summer classes will take place Mon., Wed., Fri. from 9am to 4pm for 12 weeks. Onsite lunch
will be provided to allow students to maximize the use of their time and bond as a cohort. The
remaining core course work will take place during the quarter, generally on a Mon/Wed/Fri. or
Tues/Thurs. class schedule with a variety of possibilities for times based upon student and
instructor availability.

2.1 Preparation for Admission

Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:
 U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals, or lawfully admitted permanent residents of U.S.
 Completed one of the following degrees: MD, DDS, DMD, OD, ND, DO, PharmD, DVM, PhD  High level of interest and potential to pursue innovative pre-clinical/translational or clinical research as a major focus of career plan, and a long-term goal of entering clinical research career.
Preparation for admission to the CRGG MAS degree program includes submission of an
application, a 2-4 page research proposal, a description of training plan with identified mentor,
and curriculum vitae. Less experienced applicants will be guided through this process,
including the choice of mentor if necessary by CRGG advisor. Letters of support from the
prospective mentor and Department Chair, and commitment of release time from the
candidates’ department chair or division chief will also be required.
2.2 Foreign Language

Not required.
Clinical Research Graduate Group

2.3 Program of Study

a.) Specific fields of emphasis

The CRGG MAS program seeks to graduate individuals who will conduct clinical research with
full understanding of the best scientific, ethical, regulatory, and management practices. In
addition, the CRGG MAS program will emphasize specific fields within the four research
strategic focus areas: cancer, neuroscience, vascular, and infectious disease.
b.) Plan: Masters Option II1

MAS Option II: The Master’s Option II requires 36 units of graduate and upper division courses
and a comprehensive final capstone event in the major subject. The proposed 48 unit CRGG
MAS degree program satisfies the unit requirements.
The required final capstone event will be a comprehensive, peer-reviewed, oral and written
presentation of the student’s mentored research project. The peer-reviewed written portion will
be in the form of a National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant application. The NIH format is a
nationally accepted standard for grant submissions and provides an excellent framework for a
comprehensive and thorough overview of the student’s work throughout the entire program.
The written application will be reviewed and scored by the student’s advisory committee. In
addition, the capstone event will include an oral presentation before a group of the CRGG.
This evaluative, peer-reviewed presentation will take place at the CRGG MAS program annual
retreat.
c.) Unit requirements

Course Work
Units Award
Total: 48 Units Masters of Advanced Study in Clinical Research
d.) Required and recommended courses

The 48-unit curriculum can be completed in a flexible manner over a period not less than two
years. Mandatory course work includes biostatistics, epidemiology, patient-oriented research,
health services research, data management/informatics, scientific communication, research
management, and career development. These courses will constitute a total of 25 units. A two
year mentored clinical research project (8 units) and second year electives (15 units) will
increase the completed MAS degree unit total to 48.
1 Guidelines for CCGA Review of MAS Programs states: “…a capstone requirement does not necessarily have to be a thesis or even a comprehensive exam. As the MAS is primarily vocational in intent, it can be expected that capstone requirements might be different from those expected in a full-time degree program.” The expected term for completing the CRGG MAS program is two years. The intensive summer
session with twelve weeks of full-time instruction will be offered at the beginning of the first year.
The required core courses will extend over two years, as will the workshops, topical seminars,
and mentored research. The annual retreat will be offered at the end of years one and two.
e.) Licensing or certification requirement
None required.
2.4 Field Examinations
None required.
2.5 Qualifying Examinations
None required.
2.6 Thesis and/or dissertation
Not applicable.
2.7 Final Examination

Comprehensive capstone event described above under 2.3 Program of Study, Section B.
2.8 Special Requirements over and above Graduate Division minimum requirements

The goal of the CRGG MAS degree program is to produce independent clinical researchers.
The NIH format of the capstone requirement assures that graduates are well prepared and well
positioned for grant submission and publication. The oral presentation component of the
capstone will also prepare students for public presentation of their research. The CRGG MAS
degree program graduate will have the skills and tools necessary for a career in collaborative,
team-based, clinical research.
The graduates will obtain this set of useful and practical skills for collaborative, team-based
research through the CRGG’s modeling of team building and collaborative organization
approaches to clinical research. The CRGG MAS degree program infrastructure has built-in
opportunities for students to experience and practice a team-based, collaborative approach.
The half-day workshop dedicated to team-based science is an introductory event designed to
help students identify, explore, and implement the personal and professional skill set necessary
to succeed in a clinical research environment that is increasingly dependent upon team-based,
collaborative science. Over the course of the two year program students will sharpen their
collaborative skills through practical experiences and direct research applications, e.g. Annual
Retreat when students present peer-reviewed research to IAC and EAB, and have an
opportunity for collaborative mentoring; Advisory Committee Meetings when students present
quarterly reviews of research and review career goal achievements; Topical and Journal
Seminars Series create collaborative interactions and opportunities for team-based
presentations, reviewed and discussed among peers. In addition, the multi-college make-up of
the CRGG program and faculty will exemplify other practical aspects of a collaborative
organizational, team-based effort as will the integration and utilization of advanced program
participants as program teaching assistants, and potentially collaborative mentors.
2.9 Relationship of Master’s and Doctor’s programs
Not applicable.
2.10 Special preparation for careers in teaching
Not applicable.
2.11 Sample Program

Beginning with an intensive summer session, students can complete 25 units of course work
(core courses, seminars, and workshops) during the first year. In addition, students will begin a
two-year research project with a designated mentor (8 units). The second year students will
complete course electives (15 units), and remaining seminar and workshops requirements.
Depending on the personal circumstances and professional responsibilities, students may take
a reduced course load.
Intensive Summer Session (11 units)
Courses Units
Clinical Epidemiology and Study Design
Two Year Curriculum Overview
Intensive
Elective
Elective
Elective
Elective IV
Course II
Course III
Course IV

Integrated Workshops: 1 unit
Seminar Series: 1 unit
Mentored Research Experience

2.12 Normative Time from matriculation to degree

The normative time from matriculation to degree is a minimum of two academic years.

SECTION 3: PROJECTED NEEDS

3.1 Student Demand

During the preparation of the CRGG MAS degree program, department chairs and prospective
students expressed significant interest in the program. One program participant per year will be
sought from each of UCDHS’ partners; the majority will be selected from UCDHS. The CRGG
MAS program will draw students from several categories of potential candidates: 1) current
junior faculty who have identified clinical research as a career goal, 2) junior faculty recruits who
demonstrate potential to be exceptional clinical researchers, 3) senior residents and
subspecialty fellows in the School of Medicine who have identified clinical research as a career
goal, and 4) Ph.D.s or advanced Ph.D. students who have identified pre-clinical/translational or
clinical research as a career goal.
The UCD CRGG MAS program is designed to attract senior residents and junior faculty with a
commitment to careers in pre-clinical/translational and clinical research. The program will be
available to individuals already at the institution and to new recruits as well as candidates from
our collaborative partnerships with the School of Veterinary Medicine, the Division of Biological
Sciences, the Department of Biomedical Engineering, and Lawrence Livermore National
Laboratory.
In the past four years the UCDHS has recruited 434 new faculty, 291 of whom were appointed
at the assistant professor level. While 97 have been appointed in a non-research series, 194
would be candidates for the CRGG MAS degree program. Of the 291 assistant professors
appointed, 40.5% are women. The recruitment of new faculty is an excellent opportunity to
present the CRGG MAS program to potential candidates.
3.2 Opportunities for graduates

There is an ever increasing awareness and need for highly qualified clinical investigators to
meet the scientific challenges of collaborative, big team science of the twenty-first century. The
CRGG MAS program graduates will be equipped with the knowledge and experience necessary
to meet this growing need.
3.3 Importance to the discipline

The proposed CRGG MAS degree program will improve the quality, effectiveness and efficiency
of clinical research, and open pathways of collaboration toward the practice of team-based
scientific research. The CRGG MAS degree program has the potential to greatly enhance
scientific research collaboration through bridging opportunities, e.g. with the pre-clinical, clinical
and translational perspectives.
3.4 Ways in which the program will meet the needs of society

The CRGG MAS degree responds to a national need for highly trained clinical researchers to
capitalize on the many profound developments and discoveries in basic biomedical science and
to translate them into clinically useful therapies. This need has been recognized by the National
Institutes of Health (NIH), which in May 1999 awarded the first of three rounds of Clinical
Research Curriculum Awards (K30) to a total of 55 medical schools at major U.S. universities.
The collaborative, multidisciplinary nature and perspective of the proposed Clinical Research
Graduate Group (CRGG) and MAS program role models the type of team-based science that
will advance future patient-oriented research and fosters a vision of clinical research at UCD
that meets the needs of the diverse communities we serve. As future networking members of
the K30 Consortium the potential importance of this program transcends the local area and
places UCD with other national leaders at the forefront of scientific discovery that benefits all of
society.
3.5 Relationship of program to research / professional interests of faculty

The expansive and collaborative nature of the development of the MAS program along with the
enthusiasm for the proposal to form a new Clinical Research Graduate Group (CRGG)
demonstrates the high level of faculty commitment and interest in the CRGG MAS degree
program. (See Appendix A for faculty letters of support). The high level of faculty professional
interest is also evident in the number of faculty who have agreed to be available as research
mentors. (See Appendix C for faculty mentor profiles).
3.6 Program differentiation

The comprehensive curriculum and mentored research training embodied in this MAS degree
program capitalizes on strategic initiatives and institutional momentum present at the University
of California Davis Health System (UCDHS). This momentum is represented by a consolidated
leadership that understands, and actively prioritizes the clinical research mission and the career
development of clinical researchers. The positive institutional momentum has formed a
cohesive and collaborative culture which offers a diverse and multidisciplinary environment
conducive to clinical and translational mentored research. Within this collaborative atmosphere,
prominent senior mentors have emerged and provide an excellent foundation for student career
development. Strategic investments have resulted in a growing program of patient-oriented
clinical and translational research, providing outstanding opportunities for mentored research
experiences for students.
There are no California independent university programs in the Sacramento area that offer a
MAS degree in Clinical Research. There are three schools in the UC system (UCSD, UCLA
and UCSF) that offer Clinical Research programs. The geographically distant locations of the
UC campuses makes it highly unlikely that there would be any competition for students among
the programs. No existing UC Davis graduate groups provide comprehensive instruction in
clinical research.
SECTION 4: FACULTY

The Faculty listed below are interested in belonging to the proposed Clinical Research
Graduate Group (CRGG). They are listed according to the four strategic research focus areas
of the UCDHS, each with an abbreviated profile of their current research. The majority of these
faculty have participated in the development of the proposed MAS degree curriculum and are
current members of the proposed CRGG MAS degree Internal Advisory Committee (IAC).
Faculty who have committed to serving as Instructors of Record (IORs), Co-Instructors of
Record (co-IORs), and session presenters for the core curriculum are marked with an asterisk
(*). In addition to the faculty listed below, others will serve as instructional leaders of the
workshops and seminars, and be available to mentor students in the research training
component. Appendix D contains abbreviated faculty Curriculum Vitas. As noted above,
additional faculty who have responded positively to the call for research mentors are listed in
Appendix C.

SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
Vascular Biology and Metabolism
*Lars Berglund, MD, Ph.D, Assistant Dean for Clinical Research, School of Medicine, and Professor of Medicine.
Current research: “Regulation of Lipoprotein (a) metabolism inHumans with special reference to ethnicity” NIH (R01)
*John Rutledge, MD, Professor and Chief, Division of Endocrinology, Clinical Nutrition and Vascular Medicine.
Current research: “Interactions of Lipoproteins with the Artery Wall,” National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (R01)
*Ann Bonham, MD, Professor and Chair, Department of Pharmacology. Current research: “Post-exercise
hypotension: central sites and mechanisms,” NIH/NHLMI (R01).
*Richard Kravitz, MD, Professor of Internal Medicine, Division of General Medicine. Current research: “Comparative
Information on Prescription Drugs Advertised Directly to Consumers,” (California Healthcare Foundation), “Consumer
Influences on Treatment of Depression,” (NIMH R01).
*Ishwarlal Jialal, MD, Vice-Chair for Research, Department of Pathology. Current research: “The effect of high dose
vitamin E on carotid atherosclerosis” NIH (R01)
*Theodore Wun, MD, Associate Professor of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology. Current
research: “Effect of Homocysteine Lowering Therapy on Sickle Cell Vascular Disease,” (American Heart Association
Pending), “Lymphocytic Leukemia Targeting Peptides,” (Cancer Research Coordinating Committee Pending), “A
Single Arm Open Label, Phase II Trial of Tituximab in Patients with Chronic Splenectomy Refractory Immune
Thrombocytopenic Purpura” (Genentech Pending).
Cancer
*Ralph deVere White, MD, Professor and Chair of Urology, Director, UC Davis Cancer Center, and Chair, Prostate
Cancer Research Program. Current research: “Functions of different p53 mutations in prostate cancer,” NIH/NCI
(R01).
*David Gandara, MD, Professor of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology. Current research:
“Early Therapeutic Development with Phase 2 Emphasis,” (NCI N01), “Southwest Oncology Group,” (NCI U10),
“Phase I Molecular and Clinical Pharmacodynamic Trials,” (NCI U01), “A Phase III Trial of LY900003 Plus
Gemcitabine and Cisplatin Versus Gemcitabine and Cisplatin in Patients with Advanced Previously Untreated Non-
Small Cell Lung Cancer,” (Eli Lilly)
*Kit Lam, MD, PhD, Professor of Internal Medicine and Chief, Division of Hematology and Oncology. Current
research: “Small Molecule Microarrays for Intracellular Proteins,” (NCI R33), “Ligands for Altered Phosphoproteins in
Cancer,” (NCI R33), “C-SRC Inhibitors from Novel Encoded Chemical Libraries,” (NCI R01), “Peptide Microarray for
Cancer Cell Surface Receptors,” (NCI R33), “Development of Novel Encoded ‘One Based Compound’ Combinatorial
Small Molecule Libraries,” (NSF).
*Paul Gumerlock, PhD, Professor of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology. Current research:
“Molecular Correlates of a Phase II Study of OSI-774 in Patients with Locally Advanced or Metastatic Papillary
Histology Renal Cell Cancer,” (NIH/SAIC-Frederick), “Shed Tumor in S0003 Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma Patient
Plasma,” (SWOG).
*Primo Lara, MD, Associate Professor of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology. Current research:
“Barriers to Accrual in Cancer Center Trials,” (NCI R21), “Exploiting Novel Molecular Targets in Prostate Cancer
Therapy,” (American Cancer Society), “A Phase I, Open Label, Dose Escalation Study of Treatment-Naïve or
Previously Treated Patients with Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer or Other Solid Tumors,” (Millennium
Pharm.).
Srinivasan Vijayakumar, MD, Professor and Chair, Radiation Oncology. Current research: “Chemoprevention of
prostate cancer with finasteride [proscar] phase III” PCPT.
*Frederick Meyers, MD, Professor and Chair, Department of Internal Medicine. Current research: “Simultaneous
care: linking palliation to clinical trials,” NIH/NCI (R25)
*Derick Lau, MD, Associate Professor of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology. Current research:
“Capturing Cancer Cells with Peptide-Bead Technology,” (NCI R21), “Phase I Study of Irinotecan and Carboplatin in
Advanced Tumors,” (Pharmacia & Upjohn), “Phase II Intrapatient Dose Escalation Study of Epirubicin and Irinotecan
in Solid Tumors,” (Pharmacia & Upjohn), “Phase II Trial of Irinotecan and Carboplatin in Metastatic and Relapsed
Small-Cell Lung Cancer,” (Pharmacia & Upjohn).
*Laurel Beckett, PhD, Professor, Department of Epidemiology & Preventive Medicine, and Head, Division of
Biostatistics. Current research: “Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Biostatistics Core” NIH/NIA

Mark Schenker, MD, MPH, Professor and Chair of Epidemiology and Preventative Medicine. Current research:
“Centers for Ag Research, Education, & Disease & Injury Prevention,” (CDC U50), “California Cancer Research
Program,” (California Department of Health Services/California Cancer Research Program), “Study of Agricultural
Lung Disease,” (Syngenta Crop Protection Ag).
Joy Melnikow, MD, Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine. Current research: “Tamoxifen
prevention of breast cancer: acceptance and cost effectiveness” NCI (R01).
Neuroscience
*Randi Hagerman, MD, Professor of Pediatrics and Medical Director of the M.I.N.D. Institute. Current research:
“Genotype-Phenotype relationships in Fragile X families,” NICHD (R01).
David Kilmer, MD, Professor and Chair of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Current research: “Physical Activity
and Energy Expenditure in Mobility Impaired Individuals,” (Department of Education pending).
*Charles DeCarli, MD, Professor of Neurology. Current research: “Heterogeneity of Mild Cognitive Impairment
(MCI),” (NIA R01), “Genetic Epidemiological Studies of Alzheimer’s Disease,” (NIA/Boston University), “Stroke
Incidence and Risk Factors in a Tri-Ethnic Region,” (NINDS/Columbia University), “Risk Factors for Incident
Alzheimer’s Disease in a Biracial Community,” (NIA/Rush Presbyterian), “An Open Label Extension Trial to Assess
the Long-Term Safety of Controlled Release Formulation of Galantamine HBR in the Treatment of Alzheimer’s
Dementia,” (Johnson & Johnson Pharm).
*Patrick Romano, MD, MPH, Associate professor, Pediatrics and Medicine. Current research: “Construct obstetric
outcomes study database [maternal readmissions study]” California Office of Statewide Health Planning and
Development.
*Stephen McCurdy, MD, MPH, Associate professor-in-residence, Department of Empidemiology and Preventive
Medicine. Current research: Impact of safety education on agricultural injury risk among rural California high school
students (a project under the Western Center for Agricultural Health & Safety) NIOSH.
John Werner, PhD, Professor of Ophthalmology. Current research: “Optical and Neural Changes in Aging Visual
Systems,” (NIA R37), “Training Program in Vision Science,” (NEI T32), “Retinal Imaging with Adaptive Optics,” (UC
Office of the President/Campus Lab Exchange Program).
Thomas Nesbitt, MD, MPH, Professor of Family and Community Medicine. Current research: “Enhancing Mental
Health Services to Children with Autism,” (NIMH R21), “Family Practice Liability Project,” (California Academy of
Family Physicians), “Sacramento Community Frequent Users of Healthcare Services,” (California
Endowment/California Healthcare Foundation).
*Ladson Hinton, MD, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry. Current research: “Dementia Caregiving: Burden and Help-
Seeking in Latinos,” (NIA K23), “Epidemiology of Functional Status in Elderly Hispanics,” (NIA/University of Michigan
R01).
*Peter Yellowlees, MD, Professor of Psychiatry and Associate Director Center for Health and Technology. Current
research: “e-Mental Health Service” (Queensland Health), “Pilot smoking abstinence program for high risk youth,”
(UQ Research grant), “Telepediatrics project,” (Queensland Health).
Infectious Diseases
*Richard Pollard, MD, Professor of Internal Medicine, Chief of Division of Infectious and Immunologic Diseases.
Current research: “North-Central California Center for AIDS Research,” (NIAID P30), “AIDS Clinical Trials Unit 2003,”
(NIAID/Social & Scientific Systems U01), “A Phase I/II Randomized, Double Blind, Dose-Escalation Study of the
Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics and Efficacy of Subcutaneous BAY 50-4798 Administration in Patients with
HIV,” (Bayer Corp), “A Randomized, Double-Blind Trial of LDT (Telbivudine) Versus Lamivudine in Adults with
Compensated Chronic Hepatitis B: NV 02B-007,” (Idenix Pharm.).
*Claire Pomeroy, MD, Executive Associate Dean, School of Medicine, and Professor, Microbiology and Immunology.
Current research: “Mechanisms of exacerbation of GVHD by Murine CMV in BMT” Department of Veterans Affairs.
David Asmuth, MD, Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious and Immunologic Diseases.
Current research: “Multicolor Flow Users Network Study,” (NIAID R01), “A Study of Safety, Tolerability and
Immunogenicity of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type I (HIV-1) GAG DNA Formulated with CRL 1005 Adjuvant
Followed by the Adenovirus Serotype 5 HIV-1”, (Merck & Co.), “ Effects of Pegylated Interferon-Alpha 2A on Innate
and Adaptive Immunity in SIV-Infected Macques,” (Roche Diag.), “A Phase I Dose Ranging Study of the Safety,
Tolerability and Immunogenicity of the Merck Trivalent Adenovirus Serotype 5 HIV-1 GAG/POL/NEF Vaccine in a
Prime Boost Regimen in Healthy …,” (Merck & Co.).
*Satya Dandekar, PhD, Professor and Chair, Medical Microbiology and Immunology. Current research: “HSV
Amplicon Vectors for HIV Vaccine Development,” (NIAID R21), “Intestinal Cytokine and T-Cell Homeostasis in SIV
Infection,” (NIAID R01), “HIV Reservoir and CD3 Repopulation in Gut Lymphoid Tissue,” (NIDDK R01),
“Pathogenesis of Intestinal Dysfunction in Simian AIDS,” (NIDDK R01).
*Richard Sweet, MD, Professor and Program Director, UC Davis, Women’s Center for Health. Current research:
“Effectiveness of outpatient treatment for PID” NIH/AHCPR (R01).
*Barbara Shacklett, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medical Microbiology and Immunology. Current research:
“Modeling Lymphocyte Trafficking into the CNS in Aids,” (NIMH/UCSF Pending).
UCD SCHOOLS, COLLEGES, DEPARMENTS & AFFILIATES

*Phyllis Wise, PhD, Dean, Division of Biological Sciences and Professor Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior.
Current research: “Neurochemical and neuroendocrine function during aging,” NIH (R01)

*Faith Fitzgerald, MD, Assistant Dean of Humanities and Bioethics (UC Davis School of Medicine). Current
publications: “Dark Rounds. Annals of Internal Medicine,” “Principalism at the Bedside,” and “Preventive Medicine
and the Road to Hell”
Fitz-Roy Curry, PhD, Associate Dean of Research, Chair, Department of Human Physiology. Current research:
“New approach to endothelial cleft structure” NIH (R01).
*Jesse Joad, MD, Assistant Dean, Faculty Development and Diversity, Professor of Pediatrics. Current research:
“ETS worsens RSV bronchiolitis by cysteinyl lenkotrienes” (Flight Attendan Medical Research Institute) “ETS effects
on breathing patterns” (California Tobacco Related Diseases Research Program), “Pulmonary effects of
environmental oxidant pollutants” (NIEHS PPG, project leader)
School of Veterinary Medicine
*Kent Lloyd, DVM, PhD, Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Education. Current research: “sst2 receptors and
regulation of gastric secretion” NIH (R01)
Phillip Kass, DVM, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Population Health and Reproduction (School of
Veterinary Medicine). Current research: non-experimental inferences, epidemiologic methodology and analysis,
epidemiology of environmental hazards of animals and humans, companion animal epidemiology of cancer.
Peter Moore, BVSc, PhD, Professor, Department of Pathology/Microbiology and Immunology (School of Veterinary
Medicine). Current research: immunopathology, leukocyte adhesion molecule biology, leukocyte antigen biology,
canine/feline hemolymphatic neoplasia, feline immunodeficiency virus induced disease.
Erik Wisner, DVM, PhD, Professor, Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences (School of Veterinary
Medicine). Current research: Tissue specific contrast media development, targeting mechanisms for contrast media
delivery, and molecular imaging.
Department of Biomedical Engineering (College of Engineering)
*Katherine Ferrara, PhD, Professor and Chair, Biomedical Engineering. Current research: “High Resolution Blood
flow mapping in Ocular tissues,” NIH (R01).
Julie Sutcliffe-Goulden, PhD, Assistant professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering and visiting scientist,
LBNL, Berkley. Current research: “A preliminary assessment of the role of fluorothymidine in the evaluation of tumors
and infection with PET”
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Dennis Matthews, PhD, Professor, Department of Neurological Surgery. Current research: Center for Biophotonics
Science and Technology, NSF. Goal: To develop applications of photonic technology to life sciences in medicine with
education outreach and knowledge transer components.
James Felton, PhD, Deputy Associate Director (Acting), Biology and Biotechnology Program, Associate Director,
Cancer Control, UC Davis Cancer Center, and Adjunct Professor, Department of Applied Science (UC Davis College
of Engineering). Current research: “Program Scientific Administration,” (DOE), “Cancer Etiology, Prevention and
Control,” (NCI P30), “Determining the Carcinogenic Significance of Heterocyclic Amines,” (NCI), “Quantifying the
Impact of Diet on Carcinogen Exposure,” (NCI R21).
Stavros Demos, PhD, Scientist and Adjunct Associate Professor (UC Davis School of Medicine). Current research:
“Spectroscopic Evaluation of Tissue Injury,” (NSF), “Laser Induced Damage in Optical Materials,” (LLNL LDRD ER).
SECTION 5: COURSES

Existing courses for Year I:
Introduction to Clinical Epidemiology and Study Design Epi 250 This long established
course provides the skills to conduct epidemiologic research relevant to the student’s field of
clinical research. The course includes both didactic and hands-on workshop sessions. The
student will understand the anatomy and physiology of conducting clinical epidemiologic
research, be familiar with three basic study designs (cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort
including experimental trials) and be able to discuss their conduct, strengths, and limitations,
identify sources of secondary data and discuss their strengths and limitations, including meta-
analysis, discuss principles of measurements in clinical epidemiological studies, including the
use of questionnaires, precision, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and predictive accuracy,
discuss basic methods for analyzing data, including descriptive and analytic statistical
approaches and discuss ethical issues involved in conducting clinical epidemiologic research.
Instructors of Record (IOR): P. Romano, Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics; S. McCurdy,
Associate Professor of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine. They have teamed to teach this
course for many years.

Medical Statistics 402 This is an established UC Davis course in biostatistics. Course content
includes statistics in clinical, laboratory, and population medicine; graphical and tabular
presentation of data; probability, binomial, Poisson, normal, t-,F-, and chi- square distributions,
elementary non-parametric methods, simple linear regression and correlation, life tables.
Microcomputer applications of statistical procedures in population medicine. This course
emphasizes biomedical applications of statistical methods. 3 hours lecture 2 hours lab per
week, 6 weeks IOR : Jacob Wegelin, Asst. Professor of Epidemiology and Preventive
Medicine.
Biostatistics for preclinical and translational research EPP 231: This is a new UC Davis
course in biostatistics. The prerequisite is Medical Statistics 402 or the equivalent. Course
content includes introductions to design of preclinical and translational experiments and design
of correlative studies; multivariate linear regression; analysis of variance and other techniques
for nested, factorial and repeated measures designs; pharmacokinetic and bioassay models;
multivariate data. Special topics will include construction of data summary measures, the
analysis of genomics data such as microarrays, and graphical representations of complex data.
The course is designed to provide a foundation for research design, collaboration with
biostatisticians, and routine analysis of quantitative measurements in medical research. IOR: A.
Tsodikov.
Advanced Concepts in Epidemiologic Study Design Epi 207 This course or an equivalent
course provides the student with in-depth integration of advanced concepts in study design, with
theory and examples, including confounding, effect modification under additive and
multiplicative models, internal and external validity, bias, misclassification etc. The course is
designed to provide the student with a thorough knowledge and understanding of the theory and
practice of designing experimental and non experimental epidemiologic studies. IOR: P. Kass.
Design and analysis of clinical trials EPP 232: This is a new UC Davis course in biostatistics.
The prerequisite is Medical Statistics 402 or the equivalent. Course content includes Phase I, II
and III clinical trials; sample size, power, stopping rules and interim analyses; sources of bias
and error in clinical trials; analysis when outcome is survival, response, or measured change;
monitoring, audits, and reports; safety and regulatory issues; and writing the clinical trial paper.
The course parallels STA/BST 225, a course for doctoral students in the Graduate Groups in
Biostatistics and Statistics, developed by Dr. Beckett and faculty in the Department of Statistics,
with an emphasis on rigorous treatment of the statistical methodology. The parallel coursework
offers the opportunity for joint lectures on common topics and for pairing biostatistics students
and clinical researchers for projects and possible subsequent collaboration during mentored
research projects (required for clinical research students) and applied internships (required for
biostatistics doctoral students.) IOR: L. Beckett.
New courses for Year I:
Introduction to Clinical Research The purpose of this new course is to provide an introduction
to the CRGG MAS degree program and an overview of major clinical research topics that will be
taught in further depth during the two year curriculum. The course will combine didactic lectures
(“Approach to Clinical Research”) and presentations by successful clinical researchers
describing practical experiences (“Experiences in Clinical Research”). Students will understand
the expectations and goals of the program and their role in the program. Students will acquire
basic knowledge needed to pursue clinical research training, including the mentored research
project. Students will meet successful role models and understand the opportunities and
challenges of clinical research. IOR: F. Meyers, Professor and Chair, Department of Medicine;
C. Pomeroy, Professor and Executive Associate Dean.
Strategies for Grant Writing This is a well established course at UC Davis. The purpose of this
course is to provide the student with the skills and strategies to write a successful career
development proposal and eventually an independent research award. The course will combine
interactive presentations with assignments that will result in a completed proposal by the end of
the summer. IOR: J. Rutledge, Professor and Vice Chair for Research Department of Internal
Medicine.

Responsible Conduct of Clinical Research The object of medical research is to extend
knowledge and improve the prevention and treatment of human disease. Progress in medicine
is critically dependent on the validity of the research and the integrity of the researchers. There
are several core elements to the responsible conduct of medical research, and it is imperative
that researchers have a clear knowledge and understanding of these elements. This ten-week
course includes the nine NIH-mandated modules: Data Acquisition and Reporting (Beckett),
Mentor Training (Pomeroy / Gandara / Rutledge), Publication Practices and Authorship (Lloyd),
Peer Review/Grant Process (Rutledge / Curry), Collaborative Science (Lloyd), Human Subjects
(Wun / Hobbs), Research with Animals (Cardiff), Conflict of Interest/Commitment (TBD), and
Research Misconduct (Gilad). A tenth module, Entrepreneurship/Industry Collaborations /
Intellectual Property/Technology Transfer (Lam) has been added.
Class sessions will have the following format: An in-depth introduction of the topic, defining
relevant terminology, legislation, and major issues. This presentation is followed by an active
class discussion engaging participants to share case-based applications of the theme topic to
example derived from either personal experience and/or journal texts. The open debate will
lead participants to reflect and review upon their own positions and personal views with regard
to the complex research topic applications. The course will be based on the content of journal
articles and material from the following textbook: Responsible Conduct of Research, A.E.
Shamoo and D.B. Resnik, Oxford University Press, 2003, IOR: T. Wun, Associate Professor of
Medicine and Chief Division of Hematology, VAMC; J. Hobbs BSN Director of the UC Davis
Clinical Trials Support Unit

Methods in Clinical Research The purpose of this new course is to provide an overview of
major approaches to clinical research, including health services research techniques,
informatics, using the General Clinical Research Center (GCRC) , and preclinical methodologies
available to enhance clinical projects. The course will provide an overview of the clinical
research support infrastructure available at UC Davis. The course is designed to serve as a
framework for CRGG MAS program students as they pursue mentored clinical research
projects. Students will understand the range of methodologies that can be applied to clinical
research. Students will meet key individuals that they can contact for assistance / guidance
during the mentored research experience. Students will acquire a multi-disciplinary perspective
about clinical research. The course will be divided into 3 blocks as outlined below.
 Health Services Research and Informatics The objective of this module is to provide
the student with the understanding of the interaction between patient characteristics, physician/provider characteristics, the process of delivering care and outcome measurements. Quality of life and quality of care outcomes will be emphasized. Barriers to care in large populations and individual doctor – patient communication will be taught by example. The use and pitfalls of electronic medial record systems will be modeled. IOR: R. Kravitz, Professor of Medicine; P. Yellowlees, Professor of Psychiatry and Associate Director Center for Health.  Clinical Research Support Facilities This module will provide the student with didactic
and experiential knowledge in the successful completion of clinical research. Students will tour and be provided demonstrations of the value of the UC Davis Clinical Research Investigator Services Program (CRISP) and the General Clinical Research Center (GCRC). Didactic presentations during the module will include data base management, sequential development of clinical trials and laboratory based correlates of clinical investigation. Case based discussions will be emphasized in the didactic sessions. IOR: I. Jialal, Professor; L. Berglund, Professor and Director of GCRC; J. Hobbs, BSN, Director, Clinical Trials.  Pre-Clinical Models to Support Clinical Research This section will provide the student
with didactic and experiential experiences in the use of pre-clinical models of clinical research. Tour and demonstrations of the Microarray Facilities/ Genomics/ and Imaging Center as well as the Biophotonics and Bioengineering Facilities will be provided. Specific topics to be covered include primate models of human disease (Solnick, Dandekar, Tarantal), use of mouse models to study human disease (Cardiff), molecular pharmacology and diagnostics (Gumerlock, Knowelton), genomic analyses (Dandekar, Mitchelmore), and imaging techniques (Ferrara, Carter). IOR: K. Lloyd, Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Research; S. Dandekar.
Challenges and Opportunities in Clinical Research This course uses case studies to
challenge the student to critique and analyze patient oriented research. Emphasis will be
placed on either large epidemiologic studies e.g. Hormone Replacement Therapy and CV risk or
molecular epidemiologic correlates e.g. molecular markers of breast cancer to predict
recurrence. The student will be expected to read the assigned study, understand the scientific
underpinnings and design and provide a critique including an alternative plan. A written as well
as oral presentation is expected. IOR: F. Meyers, Professor and Chair, Department of Medicine;
C. Pomeroy, Professor and Executive Associate Dean.
In addition to these Year I courses, the student is required to participant in a minimum number
of workshops and seminars that will be offered throughout the two year program. Another
required component of the CRGG MAS program is the on-going mentored clinical research
project. The mentored clinical research project requires regular mentor meetings and 4 written
reports over two years. In addition the student will meet with an advisory committee and
prepare a comprehensive capstone event as described above in section 2.3 Program of Study.
Year II of the CRGG MAS degree program will consist of four graduate level elective courses.
The student, with the assistance of his/her mentor and advisory committee, will choose these
electives based on research experience and interest, expertise and clinical study career growth.
The same mentored research, seminar, and workshop requirements apply to Year II.
Year II course elective options include new CRGG MAS program courses in development and
existing courses from other graduate group programs.
New Course(s) for Year II [in development]:
Statistical Genetics
Clinical Pharmacology
Clinical Trials
Molecular Methods in Clinical Research
Outcomes Research
Clinical Research with Diverse Communities
Ethical Issues in Clinical Research
Existing Courses for Year II:
MDI 210: Introduction to Medical Informatics (2 units, TBA)
MDI 209: Clinical Data Acquisition (4 units, Malyj)
MDI 289F Medical Applications of Databases (3 units, Staff)
MDI 290: Special Topics in Medical Informatics (Cardiff)
GGG 296: Scientific Professionalism and Integrity (2 units)
EPP 273: Health Services Administration (Dr. Leigh and Dr. Troidl)
EPP 499: Research in Community and International Health (Staff)
PHR 404: Medical Statistics III (Farver)
5.1 Additional Curriculum Requirements (workshops and seminars)

In addition to the mentored clinical research project, students must complete 8 workshops (4 required and 4 elective) and attend 20 seminars over the course of the program. The following workshops are required: Workshop Topic Research Project Management/Conflict Management/Team Building Strategic Clinical Research Career Development The following workshops are elective: Workshop Topic Clinical Research Aspects of Bioengineering Medical Pharmacogenomics and Developmental Therapeutics Advanced Medical Informatics and Database Management Technology Transfer and Academic-Industry Partnerships Drug Discovery: Preclinical Phase I, II, III, IV Bonham Clinical Research at Community Partners Seigel(VA), King (CHORI), Matthews (LLNL), Greenhaugh (Shriners) The student, in discussion with their advisory committee, will choose the most appropriate seminar series based on their particular research interest and clinical career growth needs. Seminars (existing series at UC Davis)  Center for Neurosciences Seminar Series  Treadwell Vascular Seminar Series  Microbiology/Infectious Disease Seminar Series  Center for Comparative Medicine Seminar Series  Stem Cell/Regenerative Medicine Seminar Series  General Clinical Research Center Seminar Series  Basic Sciences New Faculty Seminar Series A new seminar series is being developed entitled, “Hot Topics in Clinical Research,” and will review topics of general interest in clinical research. Annual Retreat At the end of each year, the CRGG MAS program students will participate in a two day, off-campus, retreat. The annual retreat will offer students an opportunity to gather and reflect upon their experience and present their research to the External Advisory Board (EAB) and the Internal Advisory Committee (IAC). As mentioned above, this forum will provide students the opportunity to practice and experience collaborative mentoring with their peers and the CRGG program faculty. The retreat presentations will allow students to learn about clinical research in other areas, and provide an environment for them to engage in multi-disciplinary cross-talk with
peers and mentors.
The retreat also provides the opportunity for a formal and extensive program evaluation. The
EAB, IAC, and CRGG students and faculty will evaluate all aspects of the program. In addition,
each student will have an opportunity to review and evaluate their career development goals,
and discuss them with their mentor and/or member of their advisory committee. Lastly, the
CRGG faculty will review student progress as independent researchers and provide
recommendations for each student.
5.2 Staffing plan

The proposed curriculum for the CRGG MAS program is a combination of new courses and
current courses. The expansive and in-depth nature of the CRGG MAS program curriculum
with ongoing seminars, workshops and mentored research project, warrants and requires the
formation of a new Clinical Research Graduate Group (CRGG). The proposed Chair of the
CRGG is the Assistant Dean of Research in the School of Medicine, Dr. Lars Berglund.
The proposed CRGG will be responsible for the content and quality of the MAS program
curriculum. In addition to our core instructors who have primary appointments in a variety of
different departments, we plan to employ teaching assistants (most of whom will be recent
students) to assist in homework correction and seminar preparation. The CRGG MAS program
will also have the support of a program manager.
SECTION 6: RESOURCE REQUIREMENTS

No additional new resources from campus will be required for the CRGG MAS degree program.
Program costs, including but not limited to faculty instructional costs, program support costs,
student services costs, and overhead will be covered by student fees and other non-state funds.
The CRGG MAS program has been identified as a priority area of investment for the School of
Medicine and the UCD Health System. The School of Medicine, Dean’s Office and UCDHS will
provide funding for the program. The major institutional commitment to the CRGG MAS degree
program includes both in-kind and actual dollar support as well as important release time for
potential student participants (see Letters of Support, Appendix A). Students will pay regular
graduate fees and tuition. The student fees will not fully cover the CRGG MAS program costs.
The remaining costs will be absorbed by a combination of non-state funds (School of Medicine,
Dean’s Office and UCDHS), and recruitment packages and department support. Additional
support will be sought from corporate and foundation awards (common at other campuses).
The School of Medicine Dean’s Office will be the administrative home for the CRGG MAS
program. The CRGG MAS program administrative support and overhead (personnel,
equipment, space, etc.) will be supported by the Dean’s office.
6.1 FTE faculty
No new faculty required.
6.2 Library acquisition
No new library acquisitions required. The current Health Sciences Library holdings will support
the needs of the CRGG MAS program.
6.3 Computing costs
No new computing costs required.
6.4 Equipment
No new equipment required.
6.5 Space and other capital facilities
None required. The CRGG MAS will make use of existing classroom and laboratory facilities.
6.6 Other operating costs
The CRGG MAS program administrative support and overhead (personnel, equipment, space,
etc.) will be supported by the Dean’s office.
SECTION 7: GRADUATE STUDENT SUPPORT

It is anticipated that most of our students will be supported by their clinical home departments
through release time, training grants and other internal and/or extramural training grants.
SECTION 8: CHANGES IN SENATE REGULATIONS

No changes in Senate Regulations will be required.
SECTION 9: APPENDICES

Appendix A: Letters of Support
Appendix B: Nature of MAS degree in the UC educational system
Appendix C: Faculty Mentor Profiles
Appendix D: Faculty Abbreviated Curriculum Vitas

Source: http://gradstudies.ucdavis.edu/programs/degReq/2006_GCLR.pdf