FAQ - Research Training Framework for Clinician Scientist Residents

General FAQs
Clinician Scientist (CS) Interviews
Research Training Framework for Clinician Scientist Residents

A. About Clinician Scientist Residency Programmes

1. What is the total duration for CS residency training programmes?

The total duration of training for CS residents will be one year more than the Clinical track, so as to include the year of research training.

2. What are the stages of CS training?

CS training is generally structured into two-stages: the junior residency years and senior residency years. The objective of the CS training in the junior residency years is to build a strong foundation in clinical research. In the senior residency years, there is greater commitment to research projects.

3. How can I obtain financial support for my research projects during CS training?

CS residents can apply for research grants (e.g. the NHG-NUS Clinician Leadership in Research programme, SingHealth Foundation Research Grants, NUHS Junior Pitch-for-funds research etc.) and other grants available in the SIs. CS residents who intend to take up scholarships e.g. for the PhD, may apply for the NRF-MOH Research Training Scholarships.

4. What are the requirements for successful exit from the CS Residency programme?

For successful exit, you would need to have had (a) achieved at least the Master of Clinical Investigations (MCI) or equivalent, and (b) at least a first-author publication in a reputable peer-reviewed journal.

5. At which point of my residency training am I allowed to pursue the MCI?

MCI is a two-year part-time programme. All residents from all specialties are allowed to pursue/embark on the MCI at any residency year as long as the residency training requirements are met. Interested applicants are required to obtain the Programme Director’s (PD’s) endorsement as well as the Residency Advisory Committee’s (RAC’s) approval, to be submitted together with the applications for NMRC MCI Fellowships. An example of CS Residency is shown in the table below.

Transitional Year (e.g. Ophthamology)	R1	R4	R6
ACGME-I Accreditation	ACGME-I Accreditation	Local Accreditation	CS Research Year with 80% FTE on Research
2 Years part-time MCI may be pursued during any of the Residency years
Protected Research Time Allotted for CS Residents
Negligible Research Training	Up to 0.1 FTE on Research Training	At least one year full-time (80%) Research

6. I already have a research qualification (e.g. PhD), can I be exempted from the MCI programme?

CS resident(s) who have already obtained research qualifications e.g., PhD may be exempted from the Master of Clinical Investigations (MCI) but will need to seek prior clearance and approval from the Specialists Accreditation Board (SAB) Research Committee.

Preventive Medicine (PM) CS residents are exempted from the MCI programme but would need to achieve the Masters in Public Health (MPH) and all other requirements for the first three years of residency similar to other PM residents.

7. If the SRC grant me an exemption from the MCI programme, what will my research training be like during the residency years? And are there any additional requirements in order for me to complete CS Residency?

CS residents who have gained SRC exemption to pursue the MCI programme are encouraged to apply for their Sponsoring Institutions’ (SI) internal grants to support their research projects. During their final research year prior to exit from CS Residency, 80% of work time (based on a minimum of 42 work hours per week) is protected for research activities, and the remaining 20% for clinical work. They will be allowed to extend beyond the 80% cap with the approval of the PD and their CS mentor. All other requirements will remain similar to that of CS residents who have done the MCI programme.

For Preventive Medicine residents, they are encouraged to work towards entry into a recognised PhD programme in their senior residency years and apply for NRF-MOH Research Training scholarship. Residents who are unsuccessful in securing a PhD position will still be required to complete the additional year of research (i.e. one year longer than the standard PM track).

8. Are there any specialty-specific CS training and exit requirements that I should take note of?

Specialty specific requirements should be discussed with your Research Mentor and Programme Director.

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