Research Education

Medical Student Research Thesis Program

A distinguishing component of the Charles Drew/UCLA Medical Education Program is the required medical research thesis.  The thesis requirement places Charles Drew University among a few select medical programs nationally providing research training as a requirement in the medical education curriculum.  The Medical Student Research Thesis Program assists student in the third and fourth years in developing and completing and independent research project.  While the overall theme of the MSRTP is healthcare disparities, students have wide latitude to choose research projects including biobehavioral/psychosocial, health services research, and public policy with application to underserved communities.  Fourth-year students present their research findings at the annual medical student research colloquium held each spring.

For more information and to apply, please contact:
Shahrzad Bazargan-Hejazi, Ph.D., Director
shbazargan@cdrewu.edu
323-357-3464

Griselda Cardenas
Program Coordinator
griseldacardenas@cdrewu.edu
323-563-4965

Masters of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR) Degree Program

Charles Drew University is pleased to offer an innovative program for health professionals who have the desire and commitment needed to improve the lives and health of the medically underserved. The Master of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR) Degree Program accepted its inaugural class in 2004. CDU is accepting candidates in the fall of each year.

The goal of the Master of Science in Clinical Research degree program is to generate clinical researchers who have a solid foundation in clinical and translational research methodologies, biostatistics, clinical trials, collaborative science, research conduct and ethics, grantsmanship and publication practices. Program graduates obtain a unique understanding of the cultural and ethical issues that impact the healthcare of our diverse nation.

The program differs from other traditional approaches to clinical research training in two ways. First, there is a core emphasis on methodologies to address health disparities. Second, researchers receive practical experience in community-based research, health outcomes research, and interactive training on research ethics in multicultural communities. Furthermore, this program is uniquely designed with the working professional in mind; participants can maintain their full-time employment while earning their MSCR degree in only 2 years.

CDU is located in the heart of South Los Angeles with a catchment area of 1.5 million residents. We incorporate our location and the corresponding diversity and complexity of the patient population to create an academic environment unlike any other. Through innovative basic science, clinical, and health services research programs, CDU faculty and students seek to address the health and social issues that strike hardest and deepest among underserved and ethnic minority populations.

For more information and to apply, please contact the MSCR Program Office.

Phone: 310-761-4727
Fax: 310-631-1495