Any suggestions on getting started in clinical research?

[Lindyhopper]

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Any good ideas on how one might get started in helping to run clinical research trials. I'm attracted to the idea of running drug studies or other related trails for industry or academic institutions. I hope to someday go to Med school. Running trials could be a back-up plan or a step on the way.
I have an undergrad bio degree and research experience in basic sciences.
Any ideas on what kind of doors would open with an MPH vs a master in Basic Medical Science.
Thanks

 

[sidewalkman]

Depends what you mean by 'run clinical research trials.' If you mean be the head supervisor for phase I-IV in big pharma, then you most likely need the MD. If you mean running individual trials for the psychological effects of ____, then all you need is a bachelor's. If you want to coordinate clinical trails or somesuch, then the work experience (5 years or so) is more valuable than the degree.

From my experience,you don't need advanced degrees to 'move up the ladder' in big pharma or a CRO. To get started, all you need is a bachelor's, and then be in the right place at the right time to move up. I was interviewed to be a CRA after a mere 8 weeks of experience (rejected, though).

Your best bet is to get started in academia, and then translate the experience over to the private sector. Academia is more forgiving concerning a lack of experience, since the pay is less.

If you really want the extra degree, go with the master's in medical science. On my projects, there was me (BA psych), one with a MS in bio, one with a MAMS (both ~25), and everyone else was an RN over 40. The MPH is OK, but the MAMS is better.

If you REALLY want to open doors, get an MS in BIOSTATISTICS!!! Two year program, and the $$ are insane. And you can still run clinical trials.

HTH.

 

[dlung]

The above reply is excellent.

I would just say that if you end up going to med school, you should have plenty of opportunities over those four years to get your feet wet in clinical research and start making key faculty/mentor connections. The most important thing may be finding a work environment/boss/advisor that is very supportive and interested in helping you both to get familiar with the nitty-gritty of research and to develop your research ideas.