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Application form

Brochure

2007

FROM RESEARCH TO PRACTICE:

TRAINING IN SEXUAL HEALTH RESEARCH
Research Methodology
2 weeks

Sexual Health
2 weeks

26 February 2007 - 28 March 2007

organised by

the Fonds Universitaire Maurice Chalumeau
the Geneva Foundation for Medical Education and Research -
(WHO Collaborating Centre in Education and Research in Human Reproduction),
the UNDP/UNFPA/WHO/World Bank Special Programme for Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction, Department of Reproductive Health and Research; Family and Community Health Cluster (WHO/RHR)

 in collaboration with

the Department of Health of the Canton of Geneva,
the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Geneva,
 and

the Geneva Medical Association

1 Introduction

2 Objectives

3 General information

3.1 Admission procedures

3.2 Duration of the training

3.3 Teaching language

3.4 Certification

3.5 Costs

3.6 Study grants

4 Curriculum

4.1 General

4.2 Research Methodology - 2 weeks

4.3 Sexual Health  - 3 weeks

4.4 Exams

5 Scientific Committee

6 Organisation and co-ordination

7 Information

1 Introduction

The importance of continued medical education based on solid scientific evidence is now well recognised, yet not widely implemented and thus reducing the possible impact on health services in developing countries. The immediate consequences are stagnation of the quality of service delivery and ill health of the population. This applies particularly to developing countries and countries in economic transition.

Some ways to develop a better health system are to promote research relevant to problems in the field, to strengthen the human and material resources for this research and to create a mechanism  which would assist countries to address their own research needs.

Development of appropriate technologies and training of personnel in various fields of medicine, public health and research are essential components of such a mechanism.

In view of the steadily increasing demand for support to strengthen the research capabilities in health and to show its solidarity with countries in need, the Fonds Universitaire Maurice Chalumeau, the Geneva Foundation for Medical Education and Research (GFMER) and the World Health Organization (WHO)  - in collaboration with the Department of Health of the Canton of Geneva, the Faculty of Medicine of Geneva University and the Geneva Medical Association - have initiated a research training programme addressing sexual health.

Health research is a multidisciplinary activity comprising basic medical research, clinical medicine and social sciences. The Fonds Universitaire Maurice Chalumeau, GFMER and WHO in collaboration with a number of Swiss medical institutions assure that all these aspects are addressed in the training programme.

Furthermore, staff members and advisers of WHO are actively supporting the training by giving lectures and providing tutorship to participants.

Through the active involvement of WHO and other bodies of the United Nations, the training programme has a strong international orientation.

2 Objectives

The primary aims and objectives of the training programme are to:

  • strengthen the research capabilities of the participant and through this, the research capacity of his or her institution
  • acquaint the participant with the most recent research advances in sexual health and conduct a critical appraisal of the strength of the supporting scientific evidence
  • enable the participant to identify and address priority areas in sexual health
  • provide skills in research methodology and scientific writing to allow the participant to initiate research and/or participate in research work appropriate to the health programmes in his or her home country.

3 General information

3.1 Admission procedures

The course is open to candidates, who want to undertake research training in the field of sexual health. Eligible candidates should be:

  • health care professionals (university degree)

In order to be considered by the course organisers, the following documents are required:

  • a completed application form
  • a curriculum vitae, including sections on: current and previous positions; responsibilities in research, teaching and clinical work; the institution currently employed; a list of publications (if available)
  • a certified copy of the university diploma/s
  • a letter of motivation stating clearly the interests and reasons for applying to the course (one A4 page maximum)
  • an outline of the scientific paper that will be completed/written up as part of the exams
  • an official attestation confirming proficiency in the English language
  • two letters of reference, preferably one from the current employer
  • if possible, an introduction by the candidate's Head of Department stating her/his current role and future involvement in the country's National Health Programme.

All application documents should be sent electronically. Copies of diplomas, attestation of English language proficiency and letters of reference can be sent by post or by fax to:

Training in Sexual Health Research

Geneva Foundation for Medical Education and Research

3, Route de Florissant

CH-1206 Geneva

Fax: +41.22.346.78.34

The final selection of candidates to the course is made by the Scientific Committee.

3.2 Duration of the training

The course is offered on a full-time basis for 5 weeks (2 weeks Research Methodology; 2 weeks Sexual Health; a written exam and an oral presentation of a written assignment in the last week.)

3.3 Teaching language

The teaching language of the course is English. In the daily practical work, both French and English are accepted as working languages. Both English and French can be used in the written and oral exams. However, in order to follow the course lectures, it is of utmost importance that the participant’s level of understanding English is adequate. Thus, an official attestation of English proficiency is required to attend the training programme.

3.4 Certification

After compulsory course attendance and having passed the exams, the participant will obtain a certificate delivered by the organising institutions.

3.5 Costs

The administrative fees are CHF 1500 per participant.

3.6 Study grants

Through contributions from several donor organisations, the course organisers are making available a limited number of study grants, which will be offered to selected participants to meet some of the costs of their participation in the course.

4 Curriculum

4.1 General

There will be an information exchange on your work proposal (i.e. research project, grant proposal, systematic review of the literature) via Internet, by using email discussion lists during the preparatory phase (from November to February).

Once you are in Geneva, lectures will be held regularly between 09.00 and 13.00 from Monday to Friday, with occasional afternoon sessions. The afternoons will be reserved mainly for the preparation of the written assignment.

The curriculum will cover the following modules:

4.2 Research Methodology - 2 weeks

Including: Study Designs, Critical Appraisal, Research Synthesis, Strategies for Data Analysis, Ethics and Human Rights in clinical research.

4.3 Sexual  Health - 2 weeks

Including: Research in Sexual Health, Sexual Functioning and Dysfunctions, Rights and Ethics in Sexual Health Research, Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Sexually Transmitted Infections.

4.4 Exams

In order to obtain the certificate, participants will have to pass an exam, consisting of 3 parts:

  • a scientific paper (defined as preparing a protocol for a research project, a grant proposal, a systematic review)
  • a 15 minutes oral presentation on the scientific paper
  • a multiple choice questionnaire

5 Scientific Committee

The course is under the guidance and supervision of the Scientific Committee consisting of members representing the Fonds Universitaire Maurice Chalumeau, the Geneva Foundation for Medical Education and Research (GFMER) and the Department of Reproductive Health and Research (WHO/RHR).

6 Organisation and co-ordination

The Fonds Universitaire Maurice Chalumeau and the Geneva Foundation for Medical Education and Research (GFMER) organise the training programme jointly with the Department of Reproductive Health and Research (WHO/RHR).

7 Information

Further information about the course can be obtained from:

The Administrative Office
Geneva Foundation for Medical Education and Research
E-mail: secretariat@gfmer.ch