Clinical research training
Updated June 21, 2010We are not accepting applications at this time. We received 80 applications for the September 2010 session and had only 21 positions to fill. Please refer back to the website in November when we will be accepting applications for the next session starting March 2011.
The deadline to apply will be November 25, 2010 and interviews will be set up for early December. 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 applications will not be considered.
Please note the following dates, as successful applicants will need to adhere to these timelines.
Friday, February 4: All paperwork must be completed and submitted to Volunteer Services
Orientation: Monday, February 7 and Tuesday, February 8, from 5-8 p.m. *** These dates are subject to change ***
Training shifts: Monday, February 14 to Monday, February 28 (all volunteers must complete three shadowing shifts during this time)
The application has three components:
1) The completed application form (see below). This is a fillable form that some users may not be able to complete. If you have problems, please just type out the required information in a separate Word document and email separately. Please do not fill the form in by hand and send the scanned document as the contents will not be legible. Hand written forms will be discarded.
2) Your curriculum vitae (CV)
3) A copy of your most recent unofficial transcript (e.g. a copy from the ROSI site if you are a U of T student, or email a scanned version of your most recent document)
Volunteers for the “Paediatric Research Academic Initiative in SickKids Emerge (PRAISE)” Clinical Research Training Program at SickKids function as 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, to educate and mentor future research and/or healthcare professionals and to improve recruitment rates to ongoing studies. Volunteers will function as 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., divided into the following three shifts: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. The program follows the academic school year, running from September to April and from April to September. 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 registration or recently graduated (less than 12 months) from an accredited post-secondary program (e.g. undergraduate, graduate, medical or nursing school) are eligible for this training 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, up to date immunization)
- Complete paperwork as required by Human Resources, including 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 reference letter 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 Pediatric 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 affect 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 fractures 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