Program Overview

---

Fundamentals of Clinical Research

The Fundamentals of Clinical Research is a series of modules designed to provide an overview of various aspects of clinical research. This program is a collaborative effort between the Office of Research and Graduate Studies, the Office of Professional & Educational Development, and the Clinical Research Directors Committee, Faculty of Medicine.

Program Overview

The modules have been developed by subject matter experts from the Faculty of Medicine. Each module is asynchronous and accredited, allowing participants to complete them at their own pace and in the order that they feel is most appropriate for their learning and research experience.

Module Details

The following modules are part of the Fundamentals of Clinical Research program:

• Introduction to a Research Project: This module will help participants get started in planning a research project, providing information about finding a project topic and developing a research proposal.
• Research Ethics: This module will examine the importance of ethics in medical research and discuss how to ensure a medical research project meets defined ethical standards.
• Qualitative Research: This module will explore qualitative research, including its principles and applications in medical research.
• Quantitative Research: This module is designed to support participant skills enhancement in planning, undertaking, and disseminating scholarly work in medical education focused on quantitative research.
• Clinical Trials: This module will assist participants in connecting theory to practice in interventional studies, including their benefits and challenges.

Scientific Planning Committee

The Scientific Planning Committee for the Fundamentals of Clinical Research program includes:

• Reza Tabrizchi, PhD
• Vernon Curran, PhD
• Nick Smith, MD FRCSC
• Chris Patey, CCFP, FCFP
• Yordan Karaivanov CCFP, FCFP
• David Bradbury-Squires CCFP (EM)
• Deepak Sangha, Resident (Family Medicine)
• Shane Arsenault, Resident (Specialty)

Subject Matter Experts

Each module has been developed by a subject matter expert:

• Introduction to a Research Project: Roger Chafe
• Research Ethics: Chris Kaposy
• Qualitative Research: Jennifer Shea
• Quantitative Research: Nicholas Fairbridge
• Clinical Trials: Shabnam Ashgari

Expiry Dates

The expiry dates for the modules are as follows:

• Introduction to a Research Project: Dec 15, 2026
• Research Ethics: Dec 15, 2026
• Qualitative Research: Dec 15, 2026
• Quantitative Research: Dec 15, 2026
• Clinical Trials: Dec 15, 2026

Module Structure

Each module includes a pre and post-test, course content, and discussion questions. At the end of the module, participants will also be asked to complete a short evaluation questionnaire to help assess the effectiveness of the modules in providing information in the five broad areas of clinical research.