What is CITE?

Indiana University has been funded by the National Institute of Health through a K-30 grant to develop and implement the Clinical Investigator Training Enhancement (CITE) program. The purpose of this program is to prepare health care professionals for a career in clinical research. Following completion of the program, graduates can embark on a career in clinical research with the skills necessary to successfully compete for grant funding, conduct and analyze research findings, and publish their work in scientific journals. By participating in the program, CITE trainees will accomplish two primary objectives: 1. Complete a two-year formal clinical research curriculum, at the end of which they will receive a Master of Science in Clinical Research degree. 2. Conduct clinical research under the mentorship of a faculty scientist whose discipline or area of clinical investigation corresponds to the research interests and career aims of the CITE enrollee. An Advisory Committee consisting of a primary mentor and other relevant faculty scientists will be established for each enrollee to monitor progress.

What is the Balance of Coursework and Clinical Research?

Substantial time for completing the CITE program is required in that there are two main components: completion of the formal curriculum and active involvement in clinical research under the mentorship of a faculty scientist. Both elements are critical to preparation of the candidate for successful research following graduation. CITE is an integrated program where the formal classroom curriculum complements and parallels the ongoing clinical research that is relevant to each enrollee's career. This differs from a "sequential" program in which individuals might focus predominantly on formal coursework for several years, deferring their actual research until they have attained their degree. The rationale is two-fold. First, CITE coursework is most meaningful when applied to research in which the enrollee is engaged and hopes to continue following program completion. Second, success in clinical research requires not only formal training but several primary outcomes, particularly publications and grants. In addition to the M.S. degree, CITE graduates will have completed a grant proposal for funding as well as one or several manuscripts for publication. The combination of a degree plus the products of successful research will substantially enhance the likelihood of sustained success as a clinical investigator following program completion.