An Environmental Scan of American and Canadian Translational Science Training Programs at the Graduate Level

Abstract

AbstractTo date, there are considerable delays in bringing academic innovations into clinical practice. In part, this is due to a lack of knowledge translation and communication between clinicians and scientists. While MD/PhD programs could bridge this gap, more inclusive and sustainable alternatives must be explored. In the United States, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) launched an initiative to create programs wherein graduate students would be exposed to clinical curricula and establish networks with health professionals. In this study, we aim to survey such programs in North America and identify key features. In our environmental scan, we analyzed the translational science training curricula of 28 American and 17 Canadian universities. We observed that 25 schools in the United States offered training in translational science at various degree levels (certificate, Master’s, PhD, etc.) whereas only 4 Canadian institutions did so and primarily at a Master’s level. From those programs, 5 American universities offered a multi-faceted training program that met at the intersection of courses, clinical mentorship, and networking opportunities compared to only 1 in Canada. Therefore, while we noted a growing interest in science translation programs in the United States, there is a current lack of such programs at Canadian institutions. Based on the need established by this environmental scan, we hope to establish a translational science certificate program at McGill University that fills this training void and paves the way for other universities across Canada.