Foundations in Conducting Clinical Research

ASRM RI Foundations in Conducting Clinical Research Course

Description:

This hybrid course provides participants with the foundational conceptual and analytical skills necessary to conduct clinical research studies in reproductive health. The course will cover all aspects of clinical research – developing a research question, choosing an appropriate study design, analyzing the data, and disseminating findings. Participants will also learn the techniques of research proposal writing and will be paired with an experienced mentor to guide the design and implementation of a pilot project to be carried out during the year, which will be funded by a $3,000 microgrant. Participants are expected to attend and contribute to class discussions for a total of four virtual sessions and two days of in-person instruction.

Course Overview:

  • ACTIVITY NUMBER: RIRC100 (Research Institute Research Course)
  • ACTIVITY TITLE:  Foundations in Conducting Clinical Research Course
  • DATES: Expected to launch in early 2025, with the first virtual component in Summer 2025
  • COURSE FORMAT: Hybrid course with four virtual sessions with two in-person sessions

Pricing:

  • MEMBER PRICE: $1,495
  • NON-MEMBER PRICE: $1,895

Educational Objectives:

At the conclusion of the educational activity, participants should be able to:

  1. Identify study designs that are routinely used in clinical research studies and critically appraise their strengths and weaknesses
  2. Understand best practices for data analysis and dissemination of results
  3. Describe the importance of human subjects protections and scientific integrity in clinical research
  4. Develop a strong research proposal

Course Outline:

  • DAY 1 (Virtual – 4 hrs.): 
    Study planning

  • DAY 2 (Virtual – 4 hrs.):
    Study design and analysis (Part 1)

  • DAY 3 (In Person – 8 hrs.): 
    Study design and analysis (Part 2)
    LUNCH WITH MENTOR/ROUNDTABLE (1hr)
    Writing a strong research proposal/grant application
    Sample size and power

  • DAY 4 (In Person – 8 hrs.)
    Bias and causal associations
    Translational and preclinical research
    LUNCH (1hr)
    Ethical issues and human subject protections
    Scientific writing
    Disseminating findings

  • DAY 5 (Virtual – 3 hrs.)
    Other study designs, Part I

  • DAY 6 (Virtual – 3 hrs.)
    Other study designs, Part II

  • OPTIONAL SESSION (Virtual – 2 hrs.)
    Optional study design sessions