Despite the advances of the last two decades in molecular and cell biology, there is a clear consensus that clinical investigation—and the clinical investigator—must remain the cornerstones of patient oriented research. The lack of specific training in the fundamentals of clinical investigation is seen as a career handicap, and the purpose of the Patient Oriented Research (POR) track is to provide such training, with a view to enabling young investigators to compete more effectively for research funding.Â
In response to calls from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for improved training of clinical researchers in academic medicine, in 1999 Columbia launched this formal, joint endeavor between the schools of public health, medicine, nursing, dentistry, and the arts and sciences. The POR track delivers rigorous, broadly based didactic training that prepares young researchers for independent careers as clinical scientists. Candidates in the program earn a Master of Science in Biostatistics from the Mailman School of Public Health.
Clinical research on the Columbia University Medical Center is characterized by a rich tradition in clinical investigation, a well—funded cadre of active researchers, and a strong institutional commitment to the study of human disease. These strengths have been harnessed in the creation of the POR track, resulting in an outstanding curriculum for training the next generation of patient oriented investigators.
We hope you find this program well matched to your academic qualifications and career direction.
