Clinician-Researcher Fellowship

Program Overview

The Clinician-Researcher Fellowship is designed for physicians committed to building a career in clinical and health services research. This track provides the training, mentorship, and experience needed to design, conduct, interpret, and secure funding for impactful research studies.

At the core of the program is the Master of Science in Clinical Research, offered through the Institute for Clinical Research Education (ICRE). This rigorous degree program provides formal coursework in study design, biostatistics, epidemiology, and grant writing. Fellows also complete a mentored research project, prepare a full-length grant proposal suitable for submission (such as an NIH K23 award), and participate in teaching and clinical activities within the Division of General Internal Medicine.

To align training with individual career goals, fellows may pursue one of several specialized tracks. The Women’s Health Track, led by Dr. Deborah DiNardo, prepares future leaders in women’s health research and education through clinical experience at the Pittsburgh VA Comprehensive Women’s Center, a nationally recognized VA Clinical Center of Excellence. The Medicine-Pediatrics Track offers dual-trained physicians advanced academic development across adult and pediatric medicine, combining research, teaching, and leadership training. The Hospital Medicine Track, led by Dr. Allison DeKosky, emphasizes inpatient care, with opportunities to build expertise in medical education, research, and quality improvement.

Graduates of the Clinician-Researcher Fellowship emerge with a strong foundation in research design, leadership, and mentorship that prepares them to become independent investigators and academic leaders. Equipped with practical experience, a solid research portfolio, and the skills to secure extramural funding, fellows are well-positioned to make meaningful contributions to improving patient care and advancing the science of medicine.