近年来，分子生物学和诊断技术的巨大进步为细胞生理学和人类疾病的机理提供了新的见解。将这些进展转化为对人类病理生理的更好理解需要一套独特的技能。转化研究和临床研究所需的技能和知识与公共卫生学校教授的结果研究和流行病学技术不同。范德比尔特大学医学院和医学中心多年来一直是临床研究人员培训的领导者。1996年，临床研究任务组建议开发临床研究硕士学位课程，以借鉴范德比尔特的遗产来培训临床研究人员。范德比尔特大学医学院行政学院于1999年批准了临床研究理学硕士（MSCI）计划。该计划由Nancy J. Brown博士
The MSCI program trains investigators in the techniques and processes utilized in clinical and translational research. This program provides a direct, mentored experience in clinical investigation and, through didactic work, provides trainees with a strong foundation in study design, biostatistics, biomedical ethics, human genetics, drug and device development, and genomics. The program typically takes two years to complete. Graduates successfully compete for grants such as the NIH K23, VA Career Development Award, NIH R01, and major foundation grants.<br>Eligibility<br>Eligible candidates for the MSCI Program include:<br><br>Board-eligible physicians enrolled in a fellowship program at Vanderbilt or Meharry Medical College,<br>Residents with protected time for research,<br>Medical students with protected time for research,<br>Vanderbilt faculty members with the consent of their Department Chair,<br>Post-Doctoral PhDs anticipating a career in clinical and translational research,<br>PhD candidates in the Nursing School anticipating a career in clinical and translational research, and<br>Scholars external to Vanderbilt/Meharry will be considered based on the availability of a suitable mentor within Vanderbilt and secured funding.