Track IIC – Clinical Science Research Training for the MD
Track IIC offers a variety of research training options in clinical mycology, including translational research, epidemiology, clinical trials, diagnostics, and other patient-oriented investigations. Typical projects involve controlled studies that focus on improved methods for the diagnosis, treatment, risk assessment, or prevention of mycoses. Most Track IIC trainees will have selected a mentor(s) and clinical research project prior to admission in the program. The first priority will be to create a RAC, develop the research project, and apply for institutional approval. The mentor will assist in creating the project, provide direct supervision of the trainee’s work, meet at least weekly with the trainee, and offer guidance throughout. Depending upon the trainee’s background, interests, and recommendations of the mentor and RAC, the trainee may elect to rotate through relevant clinical or research laboratories to acquire specific benchwork skills, participate in ongoing clinical, epidemiological, or translational studies, and take courses in biostatistics, epidemiology, and bioinformatics, as well as fundamental courses in microbial pathogenesis and immunology.

As with Track IIB trainees, by the end of the second year, the research should have generated reportable results and sufficient data to enable the trainee to apply for independent funding or a K Award. This more flexible track combines clinical research and a structured training program. The clinical MMPTP faculty (Drs. Perfect, Alexander, Cox, and Alspaugh) and any other relevant clinical faculty will meet with the trainee every six months to evaluate progress and provide scientific insight. After three years of training, the trainee will be able to initiate and implement academic level translational research or clinical studies in medical mycology. To complement the mentored clinical mycology research project at Duke, Track IIC trainees have the option of participating in one of several established clinical training programs:

• Master of Public Health (MPH) Degree at UNC-CH
  The School of Public Health at UNC-CH offers a one-year MPH degree program with an emphasis on epidemiology and biostatistics. A Track IIC trainee could complete this formal program during the first year. Since the classes do not require full-time effort, the trainee would simultaneously pursue clinical or laboratory research at Duke.

• Master of Health Sciences in Clinical Research (MHSCR) at Duke
  Administered by the Duke Clinical Research Training Program (CRTP), this program was created to train clinical fellows for academic careers. The CRTP offers formal courses in research design, research management, and statistical analysis. Trainees may choose the degree or non-degree option. The program is designed for part-time study and can be taken while clinical research projects are ongoing. Thus, a Track IIC trainee could participate in this program while concurrently working on the mentored clinical mycology research project.

• Medical Microbiology (MM) Training Program at Duke
  The Clinical Microbiology Laboratory at Duke offers a training program in Medical Microbiology (MM) that is approved by the American Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The program is directed by L. Barth Reller, MD, and Dr. Alexander of the MMPTP. The MM program will appeal to the trainee with interests in diagnostic microbiology, translational research, hospital epidemiology, clinical pathology, tropical medicine, and/or international health. MD trainees are eligible to apply for this two-year program, which provides fellowship support. After completing the MM program, the trainee would apply for subspecialty certification in Medical Microbiology. Thus, a MMPTP trainee who entered this program would participate broadly in medical microbiology training, but also complete a mentored clinical research project in medical mycology. The table below outlines a hypothetical training schedule.

Year 1	Fall • Select Mentor(s), RAC, and obtain approval of research project • Apply for necessary IRB protocols • Begin full-time clinical research project • Attend and participate in DUMRU and other seminars • Take any recommended courses (e.g., epidemiology, statistics, bioinform atics, clinical research methods) or • Pursue Master's degree • Clinical service one-half day per week Spring • Full-time clinical research project • Attend and participate in DUMRU and other seminars • Pursue Master's degree or take optional courses • Apply for Molecular Pathogenic Mycology Course at Woods Hole (optional) • Clinical service one-half day per week Summer • Full-time clinical research project • Attend and participate in DUMRU and other Seminars • Take Medical Mycology course at Duke (10 half-day sessions) • Clinical service one-half day per week
Year 2	Fall & Spring • Full-time clinical research project • Attend and participate in DUMRU and other seminars • Complete research projects, submit papers, attend and present at meetings • Clinical service one-half day per week Summer • Full-time research in laboratory of training faculty • Attend and participate in DUMRU and other Seminars • Present research at national or international meeting • Apply for individual fellowship, grant, or academic position • Clinical service one-half day per week
Year 3	• Full-time clinical research • Attend and participate in DUMRU and other seminars • Complete research projects, submit papers, attend and present at meetings • Clinical service one-half day per week

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