MSc Clinical Research (for AKU PGME trainees only)

The Programme

The Master of Science Programme in Clinical Research is a part of Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME) Research Scholarship initiative aimed to promote an academic research culture at Aga Khan University (AKU), particularly amongst clinical trainees, fellows and faculty. The long term objectives of the programme are to facilitate development of clinical investigators and scientists with the necessary tools and commitment for conducting research, and to construct local mechanisms and capability for achieving this goal.

The integration of this MSc programme into PGME training would provide the clinical trainees an opportunity for exposure to critical thinking and formulation of research questions, writing research proposals, developing qualitative and quantitative skills, and exposure to various public health problems during the initial phase of their clinical training, thereby stimulating the quest for the evidence recommending current medical practice. This programme would enable professional development and capacity building among residents and fellows to prepare them for future leadership in academic medicine.

Objectives of the Programme

The programme, housed under Clinical Epidemiology Unit of Department of Community Health Sciences, has the following objectives:

• To train specialist clinicians to develop in-depth knowledge and tools of research and gain intensive practical experience in its application;
• Demonstrate, through applied learning experience and thesis, the ability to integrate knowledge and skills from key clinical and public health disciplines towards the development, implementation and evaluation of patient and population-based strategies to enhance health in the community.

Specifically the programme will provide:

• Personalised training for individuals who wish to pursue careers as clinician-investigators;
• Provide opportunities for specialised training in research, enabling the individual to conduct independent research including translational basic and clinical research; be well versed in tools for practicing evidence-based medicine, and generation of clinical practice guidelines;
• Combination of clinical training and research experience leading to clinical specialty (or subspecialty) and research certification;
• Opportunity to pursue PhD degrees in Biomedical Science or Clinical Research.