Since its inception in 1996, the DCRI Fellowship Program (Postdoctoral) has provided comprehensive training to over 300 postdoctoral fellows and medical students from Duke University Medical Center and international academic institutions. Our program offers access to esteemed clinical research and biostatistics faculty and operational leaders, within a supportive and collaborative environment that fosters a unique and successful clinical research training experience. DCRI fellows acquire advanced clinical research management skills, develop proficiency in quantitative data analysis, and achieve a high level of research productivity.

The DCRI extends its support for clinical research training across various therapeutic areas, including, but not limited to: anesthesiology, cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, health services research, infectious diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, nephrology, neurosciences, pediatric sub-specialties, pulmonology, rheumatology, and surgery. Throughout the program, our participants benefit from:

Mentorship

Each DCRI fellow works with a primary research faculty mentor who has extensive expertise in their clinical specialty. Program participants typically engage in at least one clinical trial or registry project team, as well as several individualized projects. Fellows also have the opportunity to work closely with other DCRI and Duke University faculty and operational staff who serve as research mentors, guiding their training and providing collaborative project opportunities.

Research Opportunities

During their clinical research training, DCRI fellows gain valuable experience working on project teams conducting multi-center research studies. These studies include Phase I-IV clinical trials, prospective observational registries, and quality improvement implementation studies in the United States and around the world. Each program participant receives the support and direction needed to submit grants for unfunded research and to advance their career. Fellows also have unparalleled access to large clinical trials, registries, and local databases for conducting secondary analyses.

Didactic Training

All fellows are encouraged and supported to pursue didactic training in clinical research methodology, biostatistics, and decision analysis through complementary master's and doctoral degree programs. Fellows are responsible for arranging financial support with their sponsoring department, division, or home institution to cover the tuition costs of their coursework or degree program. Relevant programs include:

Additional Training Programs

DCRI fellows take part in a weekly Research Fellow Seminar Series. During these sessions, fellows, faculty, and visiting researchers share their ongoing work in various research areas. Additionally, there is a weekly fellows' lunch lecture series, and biostatistics faculty and staff conduct biweekly statistical seminars.

Career Development Support

There are unprecedented opportunities for fellows to participate in major scientific meetings, network with national and global thought leaders, and engage in educational workshops and seminars. Mentors provide guidance to fellows as they navigate their professional paths, whether at Duke University or the DCRI, another leading academic or research institution, industry, or a private organization.