Scroll below for General, Non-Matriculated, Financial, and International FAQs.
Also see Application FAQs.
General FAQs
How does the DDCF define “clinical research”?
For the purposes of this award program, clinical research is defined as research conducted with human subjects with direct application to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, or cure of any human disease, including studies on the etiology and pathogenesis of human disease; therapeutic interventions; clinical trials; epidemiological studies; disease control research; and operations and implementation research. The foundation does not support experiments that utilize non-human animals or primary tissues derived from animals.
At what year do most students participate in this program?
Most students participate after completing their third year of medical school training.
What is the minimum amount of time I will be required to devote to this program?
You must be enrolled for 12 months. Typically these 12 months are consecutive but may be nonconsecutive in rare circumstances and with the permission of the Program Leader and mentor.
When does the Clinical Research Fellowship start and end?
In general, the CRF period begins no earlier than July 1 and ends June 30 of the following year. Schools may vary these dates based on their school calendars. Please check with the CRF school(s) of interest for their exact dates.
Note that the domestic component of the Clinical Research Fellowship will conclude with the class finishing in June 2013. Additional information about the conclusion of the domestic CRF program is available here.
International fellowships will continue at six schools to be determined in the early fall of 2012. Check back here or sign up for our listserv to receive updates about International Clinical Research Fellowships.
Non-Matriculated FAQs
The following questions apply only to students who are considering relocating and applying for a fellowship at a school in which they are not matriculated.
Are there any issues I should discuss with the administration of my home school?
Yes, several important administrative issues need to be addressed in advance of applying. While most medical schools endorse the idea of students taking a research year, tuition and registration policies vary widely.
-
Matriculation Status:
It is very important that you check on your matriculation status at your medical school. Changes to your matriculation status may change your eligibility for insurance and other programs. In addition to working with your own school administration, CRF program staff at the participating medical schools to which you are applying may be able to provide advice and guidance on some of these issues. Also, check with your medical school to ask what fees you may be charged to maintain your matriculation status.
-
Health and Malpractice Insurance:
The foundation’s policy is that each CRF medical school must ensure that fellows have health insurance during their fellowship year. However, the foundation does not have a general policy concerning malpractice insurance. Therefore, you will need to work with your home school and the individual CRF school to determine their policies regarding malpractice insurance during your fellowship period.
-
Financial Aid:
Check with your medical school to ensure you will retain your standing for future financial aid if you take a research year. Also ask if it will affect your student loan repayment schedule. (If fellows have difficulty deferring their loans, the foundation will write a letter of certification to the fellow’s lending institution.)
What type of housing is available at the CRF schools during the fellowship?
This varies with each CRF school. Please contact the CRF school(s) of interest for complete information. If you need housing, please begin your search early.
Financial FAQs
Is the stipend taxable?
Your fellowship stipend will be paid directly from the CRF school. Please contact the school to which you are applying if you have questions about taxes.
How is the stipend administered?
Each CRF school handles their payment schedule differently. Please contact the school to which you are applying if you have specific questions.
International FAQs
Are there additional costs associated with being an international fellow?
There may be some upfront costs in establishing yourself overseas that you should discuss with the CRF school(s) to which you are applying for details. Schools must cover the cost of a round-trip flight to your destination.
Will I receive the same stipend as domestic fellows?
International fellows receive the same stipend as domestic fellows.
Do you require any specific courses be taken before applying or in preparation for an international fellowship?
Some schools have safety and research methodology courses that will be required. Check with the CRF school(s) to which you are applying. The foundation is funding the development of a short web-based course on the ethical framework of working overseas. If the web-based course is completed by the time you enroll, you will be required to take it. (Course is estimated to be completed in the summer of 2011.)
How are logistical arrangements associated with working overseas made (for example: travel documents, flights, lodging, health insurance, or stipend)?
This varies with each CRF school. Please contact the CRF school(s) of interest for complete information. Please note, if accepted into an international program, it is highly recommended that you start your logistical arrangements with your CRF institution as soon as possible.