CUIMC Diversity in Clinical Trials Training Program

Clinical trials are essential for advancing medical breakthroughs, yet their benefits are not shared equally. Historically, certain communities have been underrepresented in clinical research, limiting access to promising treatments and innovations. The Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center (HICCC) is committed to addressing this disparity by fostering equity through education, outreach, and inclusive trial design.

The Columbia Diversity in Clinical Trials Training Program, one of the first of its kind, was created to address the lack of formal training in clinical trials for health professionals. This innovative 8-week program is designed to empower the next generation of clinical researchers with the skills to champion inclusivity and health equity.  

What You'll Learn

From mastering biostatistics to addressing barriers to recruitment, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of clinical research essentials, with a special focus on enhancing access and inclusion. Topics include:  

• Designing inclusive and hypothesis-driven studies.  
• Translating discoveries from the lab to the clinic.  
• Navigating regulatory and ethical frameworks.  
• Tackling recruitment challenges and implicit bias. 

Who Should Apply

• Junior faculty, clinical fellows, trainees, or healthcare professionals with an interest in clinical research.  
• Individuals underrepresented in medicine or those committed to advancing diversity in research are strongly encouraged.  

Program Details

When: Fridays, February 7 – March 28, 2025, from 12:00 – 2:00 PM EST.  
Where: Virtual (Zoom).  

How To Apply

Interested candidates will apply using this link, which will ask you to:

• Enter your demographic data
• Complete a pre-program survey
• Provide a brief candidate statement describing how they plan to apply the program’s training towards career goals and/or clinical research. This could include any potential plans for trial design
• Provide an up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV)
• Sign a commitment to attend all 8 sessions (this may vary on case-to-case basis if discussed with program manager prior).

Apply Here

Deadlines

• Application materials should be received by January 31^st, 2025.
• Acceptance decisions will be made on a rolling basis, but finalized by February 7^th, 2025.

For more information, please contact Alexis Pissey Keo at ak4958@cumc.columbia.edu.

Diversity in Clinical Trials Day

This event raises awareness of clinical trials and the importance of health equity, inclusion and enrolling from diverse population.

We strongly believe that everyone should have the opportunity to participate in clinical trials especially in communities that are often underrepresented. Our goal is to help inform and educate people about the importance of clinical trials while understanding how true diversity and inclusiveness will help improve the lives of people and communities throughout the world. 

Topics Include:

• Clinical Research 101
• Advocacy & Outreach
• Inclusion in Clinical Trials
• Defining Diversity

Want to be Involved?

By supporting this event, sponsors will be on the frontlines of making a meaningful impact in increasing diversity in clinical trials. Join us and share your company's commitment to equitable research, cancer care, and improving the lives of those in the community and throughout the world. 

For more information, please contact: ak4958@cumc.columbia.edu