Professor of Medicine (General Medicine) and of Epidemiology (Chronic Diseases); Founder and Director, Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center, Yale School of Medicine; Director, National Clinician Scholars Program
Advanced Health Sciences Research (MHS-AHSR) Track
The Advanced Health Sciences Research (AHSR) curriculum represents an exceptional opportunity for MHS candidates who are interested in outcomes and effectiveness research – with an emphasis on employing community engagement, health policy, or clinical outcomes studies to improve health and health care.
The AHSR curriculum is delivered in conjunction with the National Clinician Scholars Program. The NCSP is a separate program with its own, distinct application process. However, the AHSR fellows participate in some of the same courses as the NCSP Scholars, contributing to a diverse, engaged learning community.
The AHSR coursework represents a substantial time commitment, heavily “front-loaded” in the first year of the curriculum. For instance, the biostatistics class comprises approximately 24 hours of in-class time during the summer, followed by another 60+ hours of in-class time during the remainder of the academic year. The other research methods and stakeholder engagement classes each require approximately 60 hours of in-class time each throughout the full academic year.
These classes, which are delivered in-person, can partially fulfill the requirements for the MHS degree for individuals who are working within the context of their departmental MHS programs. Participants who are interested in pursuing an MHS degree should discuss this option with their home clinical departments.
Program Objectives
To train and prepare the next generation of leaders in translational research that focuses on clinical outcomes, effectiveness, quality, and equity. Trainees will learn key methodologic skills that will enable them to not only conduct clinically and policy-relevant research, but will use the resulting evidence to drive meaningful change to improve health and healthcare for patients. The over-arching goal of the program is to prepare a cadre of clinician researchers who will use their skills to forge meaningful partnerships, identify critical research questions, and generate reliable and actionable evidence.
Course & Graduation Requirements
Biostatistics
This comprehensive course in Biostatistics is designed to cultivate expertise in both theoretical concepts and practical applications. Throughout the program, participants will develop the skills needed to employ statistical analyses for diverse data sets and research studies. These include descriptive and simple statistics, multivariate analyses encompassing linear and logistic regression, survival analyses, and specialized topics such as hierarchical analyses, Poisson regression, general linear models, repeated measures, longitudinal analysis, weighting, and meta-analysis. By the course's conclusion, participants will be adept at not only conducting bivariate and multivariable statistical analyses but also critiquing and interpreting statistical methods frequently used in the medical journal literature.
Clinical and Health Services Research Methods
This research methodologies course incorporates quantitative and qualitative approaches. Participants learn to design diverse clinical and health services research studies, covering study design, sampling, data collection, and analysis. Summer sessions focus on quantitative methods, fall for qualitative, and advanced topics in spring.
Principles of Stakeholder Engagement
This course orients participants to the theoretical components and practical skills required to conduct stakeholder-engaged research. Crafted as a gateway to theoretical insights and practical skills in patient-centered care research and implementation science, participants navigate a multifaceted landscape. Throughout the program, participants explore the intricate nuances of social determinants of health, forge collaborative ties with community stakeholders through data analysis techniques, and actively link community research with tangible health enhancements. With a focus on program management skills, evaluation designs, and stakeholder-engaged research principles, this course offers a holistic understanding and application of research methodologies.
Principles of Health Policy and Management
Explore the core principles of health policy and management in this comprehensive course. Participants delve into the intricate landscape of healthcare delivery, financing, and regulatory systems within the US, gaining insights into each component's pivotal role. Participants will develop a foundation and framework for understanding healthcare financing, policy development and analysis, and key issues in managing health systems. This series of classes tallies approximately 20 hours.
Master’s Thesis
To graduate, participants also must write and defend a thesis.
| Sample Outline of Required Coursework: MHS-Advanced Health Services Research | Year 1 Summer | Year 1 Fall | Year 1 Spring | Year 2 Summer | Year 2 Fall | Year 2 Spring |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCSP Biostatistics | X | X | X | | | |
| NCSP Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods | X | X | X | | | |
| NCSP Health Policy and Management | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| NCSP Foundations of Community Engaged Research | X | X | | | | |
| MHS Research in Progress Series | | X | X | | X | X |
| Mentored Thesis Research Project | X | X | X | X | X | X |
Time Allowance & Department Commitment
This is a two-year program requiring a 75% time commitment, which must be approved by your department chair or division chief in writing. If a participant is unable to complete the degree in two years, approval of an extension is required by the Yale MHS Degree Program and the Track Academic Director.
Contact Us & Track Leadership
Questions?
For questions, contact the track director, Cary Gross, MD.