CIP Information

What is CIP?

The Clinician Investigator Program (CIP) is a two-year postgraduate medical education program accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) through the continuous training pathway. CIP trainees can be a part of any RCPSC accredited medical specialty or subspecialty taking a thesis-based research program. CIP training includes 80% dedicated time for closely mentored research training, seminars based on CanMEDS competencies, and a connection with other trainees doing research for future networking possibilities. All CIP trainees commence their research training while registered as a postgraduate trainee.

The aim of the Clinician Investigator Program at the University of Alberta is to promote the development of strong clinician investigators, helping them receive their MSc or PhD to strengthen their future careers and the overall healthcare system. As a trained and certified clinician researcher, you will also be highly competitive in funding competitions and well equipped to answer your research questions.

Is CIP right for you?

Are you a professional, career-minded resident who is interested in obtaining their MSc or PhD, gaining a deeper understanding of medical research, and making yourself a competitive applicant in the future job market? If so, CIP might be right for you.

To be eligible to apply for CIP, you must be:

  1. At the University of Alberta in a Royal College of Physician and Surgeons of Canada clinical residency OR eligible for conditional acceptance by applying in a sub-specialty Pediatric or Internal Medicine program, pre-CaRMs match results.
  2. In your Postgraduate Year (PGY) 2 year or later.
  3. Interested in taking a thesis-based graduate studies program.
  4. Have not had a remediation or are going into remediation.

We also recommend:

A supervisor with a previous history of leadership with students and a space for you to interact with other graduate students.

An experienced committee with at least one member aside from your supervisor(s).

What are the advantages of doing CIP?
  • Two years of mentored research training
  • Minimum 80% protected research time
  • MED 650 class (Fundamentals for Clinical Investigators) helps to prepare you for a career as a clinician investigator
  • Completion of a research-based graduate degree program
  • An environment that allows you to work alongside other trainees that have similar career goals
  • The opportunity to work with leaders in your research field of interest
  • RCPSC accredited residency program
  • Events to help you develop contacts and network within a specific clinical research field
  • The opportunity to create a more competitive body of work for application to faculty positions