University of Virginia Health System

Predoctoral CAM-Relevant Training

• Who should apply for predoctoral training?
  
  
• How do predoctoral trainees learn about CAM-relevant research through their conventional doctoral programs?
  
  
• What is the time commitment?
  
  
• What are the costs/stipends associated with the CAM research training for predoctoral trainees at the University of Virginia?
  
  
• What is the application process?

Additional information about CSCAT and its activities may be obtained from the CSCAT, University of Virginia, P.O. Box 800905, Charlottesville, VA 22908-0905, phone (434) 924-0113; Fax: (434) 243-9938; email: cscat@virginia.edu or jrh4n@virginia.edu .

• Q: Who should apply for Predoctoral training?
  
  A: Predoctoral students enrolled in a health-related PhD program or other professional schools at the University of Virginia (for example, Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine; School of Nursing; Biomedical Engineering Department, School of Engineering and Applied Science) who wish to acquire skills and knowledge to support a career in CAM-relevant research are afforded the opportunity to do so as a predoctoral trainee in the CAM Research Training Program. Curricula for a trainee will be that of the particular doctoral program in which the doctoral student is enrolled. However, trainees will work closely with their academic advisors from the beginning of their program planning to incorporate into their academic degree programs coursework specific to CAM research. This coursework can be added as electives, cognates, and mentored research practica, for example.
  

• Q: How do predoctoral trainees learn about CAM-relevant research through their conventional doctoral programs?
  
  A: The trainees' plan of doctoral study will include mentored research opportunities with a member of the CAM training faculty that will be related to the trainees' academic program.
  

• Q: What is the time commitment?
  
  A: Predoctoral trainees spend up to 10 hours a week and two summers in mentored research and are expected to pursue dissertation research that includes CAM relevance.

• Q: What are the costs/stipends associated with the CAM research training for predoctoral trainees at the University of Virginia?
  
  A: Tuition, fees, and health insurance are fully covered up to$3,000; then 60% of combined costs above $3,000 is covered. An annual, NIH-established stipend is available. In 2003 , the stipend is $19,968.

• Q: What is the application process?
  
  A: The application process involves hard copy materials, although instructions for completion of the application are Web-based. Applicants are notified by email when their application packet has been received and assessed to contain all needed materials for review. Following the review process, applicants are notified by email and US mail. Applicants accepted must, within two weeks from date of notification, submit a letter of intent to pursue the CAM research training to reserve a predoctoral trainee position (address on application instructions).

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