Medical Research Physician

The Medical Research Physician course offered by the Academy of Medical Sciences, Vietnam (AMS Vietnam) is an advanced professional training program designed to develop physicians with strong competence in medical research, clinical investigation, and evidence-based practice. The course addresses the growing need for clinicians who are not only skilled in patient care but also capable of designing, conducting, and interpreting high-quality medical research in compliance with ethical and regulatory standards.

This program is positioned at the intersection of clinical medicine and scientific research, equipping physicians to actively contribute to clinical studies, translational research, and health innovation initiatives within hospitals, research institutes, and healthcare systems.

The Medical Research Physician course aims to:

• Strengthen physicians’ understanding of medical research principles and methodologies
• Develop practical skills in clinical research design and implementation
• Enhance the ability to critically evaluate scientific evidence
• Ensure compliance with ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements in research
• Support the translation of research findings into clinical and public health practice

Upon completion, participants are expected to function effectively as investigators, sub-investigators, or research collaborators in clinical and biomedical research projects.

This course is intended for:

• Licensed medical doctors seeking formal training in medical research
• Clinicians involved in clinical trials, observational studies, or translational research
• Physicians working in hospitals, research centers, pharmaceutical or biotechnology settings
• Early-career physician-scientists preparing for advanced research roles
• Medical professionals aiming to integrate research into routine clinical practice

Participants are expected to have a foundational background in clinical medicine. Prior research experience is beneficial but not mandatory.

The curriculum is structured to balance theoretical foundations with practical application. Core modules include:

1. Foundations of Medical Research

Participants are introduced to the principles of scientific inquiry in medicine, including research paradigms, hypothesis generation, study objectives, and outcome measures. Emphasis is placed on the role of research in advancing clinical practice and improving patient outcomes.

2. Research Design and Methodology

This module covers quantitative and qualitative research designs, including randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case-control studies, cross-sectional studies, and systematic reviews. Participants learn to select appropriate methodologies based on research questions and clinical contexts.

3. Biostatistics and Data Interpretation

Physicians are trained to understand and apply basic statistical concepts used in medical research. Topics include descriptive statistics, inferential analysis, interpretation of results, and common statistical pitfalls. The focus is on critical appraisal rather than advanced computation.

4. Clinical Trials and Good Clinical Practice (GCP)

This module provides comprehensive training in clinical trial conduct, including protocol development, subject recruitment, informed consent, safety reporting, and data management. International Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards are emphasized to ensure research quality and participant protection.

5. Research Ethics and Regulatory Compliance

Ethical conduct is a central pillar of the program. Participants are trained in research ethics, protection of human subjects, institutional review processes, and relevant national and international regulations governing medical research.

6. Translational and Clinical Research Integration

This module focuses on bridging laboratory findings and clinical application. Participants explore translational research models, biomarker development, and pathways for moving discoveries from bench to bedside.

7. Scientific Writing and Publication

Physicians are guided through the principles of scientific writing, manuscript preparation, authorship standards, and the peer-review process. Emphasis is placed on clear communication of research findings and responsible publication practices.

The Medical Research Physician course employs a blended and practice-oriented training approach, including:

• Lectures and expert-led seminars
• Case studies based on real clinical research scenarios
• Group discussions and problem-based learning
• Practical exercises in protocol development and critical appraisal
• Guided review of published medical research

This approach ensures that participants can apply theoretical knowledge directly to their professional contexts.

The course is delivered by experienced faculty members from the Academy of Medical Sciences, Vietnam, including senior clinicians, medical researchers, biostatisticians, and ethics specialists. Guest lecturers from partner institutions may contribute to specific modules.

Academic oversight ensures that the curriculum remains current, scientifically rigorous, and aligned with national regulations and international standards in medical research.

Participant assessment may include a combination of:

• Participation in discussions and practical exercises
• Written assignments or research proposals
• Evaluation of a mock or real-world research protocol

Participants who successfully meet the course requirements are awarded a Certificate of Completion issued by the Academy of Medical Sciences, Vietnam, recognizing formal training in medical research competencies.

Completion of the Medical Research Physician course provides significant professional benefits, including:

• Enhanced ability to participate in and lead medical research projects
• Improved competence in evaluating scientific literature and clinical evidence
• Increased readiness for involvement in clinical trials and collaborative research
• Strengthened professional credibility in research-oriented clinical roles

For institutions, trained medical research physicians contribute to higher research quality, regulatory compliance, and improved integration of evidence into clinical practice.

The course content is aligned with:

• National regulations governing medical and clinical research
• International ethical principles and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines
• Global trends in translational and evidence-based medicine

This alignment ensures that participants are prepared to engage in research activities within both domestic and international collaborative environments.

Through the Medical Research Physician course, the Academy of Medical Sciences, Vietnam reaffirms its commitment to developing physicians who uphold the highest standards of scientific rigor, ethical responsibility, and patient-centered care. The program reflects the Academy’s broader mission to strengthen Vietnam’s medical research capacity and contribute to sustainable improvements in health outcomes.