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University of Montreal's Clinician-Investigator Program: A 10-Year Descriptive Evaluation
Samuel Mailhot-Larouche1, Vincent Chauvette2, David Bergeron3
1Université de Montréal, Department of Medicine, Montreal, QC, Canada. email@email.com.
Purpose:
Clinician-investigators have an important role in the development and implantation of new therapies and treatment modalities; however, there have been several reports highlighting a pending shortage in the clinician-investigators' workforce. In Canada, the Royal College has promoted the development of clinician-investigators programs (CIP) to facilitate the training of these individuals. There is currently a paucity of data regarding the outcomes of such programs. This study aims to identify the strengths and areas of improvement of the Montreal University CIP. Methods: An internet-based 51-question survey was distributed to all the alumni from the University of Montreal CIP. Participation was voluntary and no incentives were provided. The response rate was 64%. Results: Among respondents, 50% (n=16) had completed their clinical residency and all CIP requirements. The majority of these individuals (63%) had become independent investigators and had secured provincial and national funding. Satisfaction of the respondents was high regarding the overall program (85%), the research skills developed during the CIP (84%) and the financial support obtained during the program (72%). The satisfaction rate regarding career planning was lower (63%). Conclusion: This survey demonstrates that, while indicators are favorable, some areas still require improvement. Several steps to improve the CIP have been identified; notably, the transition from the CIP to early independent career has been identified as critical in the development of clinician-investigators and steps have been taken to improve this progression.
Insights
The clinician-investigator training program at Montreal University shows positive outcomes, with most alumni becoming independent researchers. However, career planning support needs enhancement to improve clinician-investigator development.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Clinical Research Training
Background:
- Clinician-investigators are crucial for developing new therapies.
- A shortage of clinician-investigators is a growing concern.
- Data on the effectiveness of clinician-investigator programs (CIP) is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of the Montreal University clinician-investigator program (CIP).
- To identify strengths and areas for improvement within the program.
Main Methods:
- An online survey with 51 questions was administered to all University of Montreal CIP alumni.
- Participation was voluntary, with a 64% response rate.
Main Results:
- 50% of respondents completed clinical residency and CIP requirements.
- 63% of graduates became independent investigators and secured funding.
- High satisfaction reported for the overall program (85%), research skills (84%), and financial support (72%).
Conclusions:
- The Montreal University CIP demonstrates favorable outcomes in training clinician-investigators.
- Satisfaction with career planning support was lower (63%), indicating a need for improvement.
- Enhancing the transition from the CIP to early independent careers is critical for clinician-investigator development.
