After much deliberation and discussion about the strategic use of DDCF’s resources, the foundation has decided to wind down the domestic Doris Duke Clinical Research Fellowship (CRF) program when the 2012-13 class ends.
Periodically, the Medical Research Program takes stock of its programs to better understand whether or not they are achieving their stated goals and aligning with its mission, which is to support research into the prevention, treatment and cure of human disease. Throughout this process, the foundation seeks input from the field through an ongoing dialogue with its Scientific Advisory Council, a highly regarded panel of physician-scientists who work in clinical and translational research.
In some respects, interim assessments of the Doris Duke Clinical Research Fellowship program have shown positive outcomes, including a growing number of applicants from almost every medical school in the United States, a strong number of women and minorities in the fellowships, positive responses by fellows in exit surveys and significant institutional resources added to the program by the Program Leaders. DDCF is also pleased that the CRF program attracted top quality students at top institutions and had important benefits, such as increasing doctors’ awareness of the significant role of clinical research in improving human health.
However, the central goal of the CRF program is to increase the number of physician-scientists conducting clinical research, and a recent alumni survey revealed that this primary objective was not accomplished. In the survey, very few past CRF fellows in the domestic program reported that they are in career positions where they are pursuing either basic or clinical research. The median percent effort toward research was five percent of professional time.
Given those findings, as an organization that believes in the power of strategic philanthropy, the foundation has decided to discontinue the domestic component of the CRF program. Despite this determination, the foundation thanks all those who have participated and wishes them the best in their careers.
A smaller program, which is still largely in its infancy, will continue to support international Clinical Research Fellowships in global health. The foundation encourages interested students to check back in the fall for further information.