Clinical research training
We are currently accepting applications at this time for the March 2012 session. Please see application details and dates below. If you have already applied we will be contacting you shortly to advise you of the next steps.
Due to the volume of emails we are not able to respond personally to all inquiries. Please complete the application to the best of your ability. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Please note the following dates and deadlines, as successful applicants will need to adhere to these timelines.
- Applications: Due Friday, November 18, 2011 at 11:59 p.m.
- All successful Interviewees will be contacted by approximately November 28, 2011
- Interview Dates: December 5 & 6, 2011 (between 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. & 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.)
- Mandatory Orientation Evenings: February 6 & 7, 2012 from 5:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. **These dates are subject to change **
- Training shift weeks: February 13 & 26, 2012 (all volunteers must complete two shadowing shifts during this time)
- Duration of six-month placement: February 27 & 26, 2012
The application has two components:
- The completed application form (see below). This is a form that some users may not be able to complete. If you have problems please type out the required information in a separate Word document and email it separately. Please do not fill the form in by hand and send the scanned document as the contents will not be legible. Handwritten forms will be discarded.
- Your curriculum vitae (CV)
Volunteers for the “Paediatric Research Academic Initiative in SickKids Emerge (PRAISE)” Clinical Research Training Program at SickKids function as volunteer research assistants. Volunteers will be trained to help screen and enroll eligible patients into clinical research studies that are currently recruiting in the Division of Paediatric Emergency Medicine. Depending on the nature of the study volunteers may also help to complete study-related duties.
What is the purpose of this program?
The specific goals of this initiative are to provide a constant research presence in the Emergency Department and to educate and mentor future research and/or health care professionals and to improve recruitment rates to ongoing studies. Volunteers will function as volunteer research assistants for studies in the Division of Paediatric Emergency Medicine at SickKids.
What is required?
A commitment of one shift per week, every week, for six months from volunteers with a keen interest in clinical research. Volunteers will choose one of 21 available shifts from Monday through Sunday. The program operates seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and is divided into the following three shifts:
- 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
The program follows the academic school year and runs from September to February and from March to August. All volunteers must: meet SickKids hiring requirements (TB test, proof of immunization, criminal reference/background check and orientation), complete Ethics and Good Clinical Practice training and familiarize themselves with current protocols. Volunteers who meet minimum program requirements may have the opportunity to extend their six-month commitment.
- Current registered students (priority will be given to 3rd and 4th year undergraduates) or recently graduated students (less than 12 months) from an accredited post-secondary program (e.g. undergraduate, graduate, medical or nursing school) are eligible for this training program
- International Medical Graduates are not eligible for the program
- A commitment to work one five-hour shift per week for six months is mandatory
- Volunteers must meet occupational health requirements (two-step TB test and up to date immunization)
- Complete paperwork as required by Human Resources including the Volunteer Services orientation session
- Attend two program orientation sessions and training shifts (see dates above)
- Complete Tri-council policy statement ethics training certificate
Will I be paid?
This is a volunteer opportunity. At the end of your six-month commitment we will provide you with a letter of completion and an official certificate of completion of the PRAISE Clinical Research Training Program. For those who are interested and willing to commit further time after the six-month commitment there is potential to become more involved in a clinical research project.
How might this experience help me?
This position provides the opportunity to learn about research methods and the practicality of conducting research in a clinical setting. You will gain valuable clinical experience communicating with families in the Emergency Department. If you plan to pursue a career in clinical research you are likely to benefit from having clinical research experience on your CV. Additionally, mentoring by experienced clinical staff will provide better insight into paediatric emergency medicine and offers the opportunity to cultivate collaborative relationships with medical professionals that will be invaluable in your medical career.
What type of research is going on?
Current studies are focused on, but not limited to, areas of care that directly effect thousands of children in the Emergency Department every year. Dr. Suzanne Schuh studies asthma and bronchiolitis; Dr. Stephen Freedman has research interests in vomiting/ gastroenteritis; and Dr. Kathy Boutis focuses her research on orthopaedics and radiology.
Who do I contact for more information?
The website has the most up to date information and due to large volumes of emails we may not be able to respond to all questions. Application forms should be submitted via email to: acutecareresearch.training@sickkids.ca