Message
from the Vice Dean
Archived
Messages
THIS
LETTER APPEARED IN THE APRIL 2003 ISSUE OF THE NEWSPAGER…the
official monthly publication of the Drexel University
College of Medicine
Dear Colleagues:
I am pleased to communicate to you exciting new
developments in the Office of Research and Biomedical
Graduate Studies. We have established a Division
of Professional Studies Programs which at the present
time includes a two-year full-time program in Masters
of Laboratory Animal Sciences (http://www.biograd.drexel.edu/mlas)
and a one-year post- baccalaureate certification
program entitled Veterinary Medical Sciences (http://www.biograd.drexel.edu/vms).
Another appealing advancement is the creation of
two new master’s programs: a Master of Science
(M.S.) in Clinical Research and a M.S. in Research
Management & Development. Both are planned to
be part-time evening programs that will be launched
in Fall 2003 and are targeted towards working professionals
in medicine, nursing, pharmaceutical, biotechnology,
and in basic and clinical research.
Studies have shown
that many research administrators find themselves
in professional roles without having received any
formal training. The same is also true for many
clinicians and nurse practitioners who get involved
in the conduct of human subject research. This “learn
as you go” strategy has not proven to be an
advantageous approach in acquiring the required
knowledge to function effectively. Additionally,
Federal, State, local, and institutional regulations
which govern the conduct of clinical and basic research
are continuously undergoing changes mandating that
we adopt a formal process for their understanding
and interpretation.
It is notable that
despite the urgent need to provide formal training
in research administration, this area of education
has always been disregarded and its importance underestimated.
Drexel Med will be the ONLY school in the nation
to offer a M.S. in Research Management & Development.
We are quite proud to have undertaken this assignment
and view it as a reflection of our commitment to
excellence, entrepreneurship, innovation, diversity,
flexibility, real world solutions for real world
problems, and the use of technology to achieve organizational
objectives. Among others, this program is most suitable
for departmental research administrators, current
or future heads of research in academic centers,
hospitals, the pharmaceutical industry, government
agencies, and individuals working in the offices
of sponsored project finance (grants and contract
management), compliance and regulation (IRB, IACUC,
etc.), technology transfer, and patent and licensing.
Currently, there
are many certification programs and workshops in
clinical research that are offered by universities
and private consulting firms. However, in the U.S.,
there are only a handful of programs offering terminal
degrees in this area of concentration, and even
fewer in the research-intensive greater-Delaware
valley region. As a medical college, we are most
uniquely poised to offer this M.S. in Clinical Research
program for it complements our basic mission of
educating future generations of physicians, scientists,
and clinical and basic researchers. This program
is ideal for junior physicians, clinical fellows,
clinical research coordinators, local, regional,
and national monitors of industry-sponsored clinical
trials, and individuals involved in clinical research
organizations and management and/or operations of
clinical research units.
The curriculum of
these evening programs was designed after extensive
consultation with individuals involved in clinical
research and research administration. Students will
be selected and courses are conducted in such a
manner as to maximize the opportunities for learning
from each other as well as from a distinguished
faculty, which is comprised of outstanding teachers,
researchers, administrators, and practitioners.
Depending on the program selected, some of the courses
offered will include: biostatistics, epidemiology,
research ethics and integrity, health informatics,
sponsored projects finance (grants and contracts),
intellectual property and technology transfer, compliance
and regulations (IRB, IACUC, FDA, etc.), health
informatics, grant and scientific writing, management
of research facilities, and strategic planning.
A very important aspect of these programs is the
ability to be involved in practical training in
the area of student’s interest. Numerous “practicum”
opportunities will be available allowing students
to work with individuals who are experts in their
fields.
We look forward
to your support in assuring success of this exciting
new venture. If you need more information, please
do not hesitate to call my office (Tel: 215-762-3950;
E-mail: asr27@drexel.edu)
or Laurie Cato, Executive Director, Professional
Masters Programs (Tel: 215-762-8691; E-mail: Laurie.Cato@drexel.edu).
You can also call toll free (1-866-6BIOMED) or visit
our website (www.biograd.drexel.edu/pmp) to get
more information about these programs.
Sincerely,
Abdul S. Rao, MD,
DPhil
Vice Dean for Research, Biomedical Graduate Studies,
& Information Technology
