a comprehensive research program in transplant...
TRANSCRIPT
A comprehensive research program in transplant epidemiology for grade 11 & 12 students
The first class of the ASPIRE Program with mentors Dr. Heather Ross and Segun Famure
The Advanced Student Placement Integrating Research Education (ASPIRE) is an initiative launched by Toronto General Hospital’s Multi-Organ Transplant Student Research Training Program (TGH-MOTSRTP). ASPIRE is a full year volunteer opportunity offered exclusively to high achieving students in Grade 11 and 12 to gain both education and work experience in a clinical research environment .
ASPIRE students are exposed to clinical research and provided with basic education related to the field of solid organ transplantation and the etiology of related diseases. ASPIRE trainees benefit from this learning experience by contributing to ongoing MOTSRTP research and health services projects.
The responsibilities of ASPIRE students include: Data collection and entry (patient information management), assisting with administrative tasks of staff and senior trainees, communicating with hospital staff both within and outside of UHN, set-up of transplant assessment clinics & managing biological specimens in the Biologic Specimen Repository.
In addition, ASPIRE students will be assigned individual projects in conjunction with senior university trainees addressing questions in the field of transplantation, bioethics, and patient engagement. Students will be provided with the opportunity to conduct extensive literature searches, analyze information pertaining to current issues in medicine, and present their findings to mentors and colleagues.
PROGRAM Details Mission and Description
Work and Responsibilities
Research Education
ASPIRE+ EDUCATION
ASPIRE students regularly receive seminar lectures from senior trainees and mentors on topics including organ physiology, immunology, and complications associated with transplantation. These introductory level lectures will provide comprehensive background information in transplantation.
ASPIRE students also learn basic research tools such as structuring proper study design, conducting a comprehensive literature search and analyzing journal articles. They will also receive advanced instruction on the various intricacies of their individual projects.
Clinical Observerships ASPIRE students are invited to participate in a variety of clinical observations at their leisure. Students have the opportunity to shadow physicians and allied health professionals to gain first hand experiences in a clinical setting. Observations also offer a valuable opportunity for networking and practical health education.
Clinics available for observation include:
Post-Transplant Nephrology Clinic
In-Patient Ward Rounds
VAD/Heart Function Clinic
Heart Transplant Clinic
Observations in Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Social Work and Occupational Therapy Observations are also available on a regular basis. Students may also have access to surgical research observations, including pig liver surgeries.
Select students are also awarded transplant surgical observations based on performance and availability.
Pre-Transplant Assessment Clinic
Intensive Care Unit Rounds
Kidney/Pancreas Transplant Clinic
Infectious Diseases Clinic
WHO can apply?
ASPIRE recruits a select number of Grade 11 and 12 High School students
with a passion for clinical medicine and research. Students must commit to
24 hours per week during the summer months and 10 hours per week during
the academic year to fulfill work and educational requirements.
HOW to apply?
Interested individuals are asked to submit an application as well as scanned
copies of the student’s most recent high school transcripts, the latest version
of the student’s resume, a letter of reference for the student from an
educator and a maximum 1000 word scientific paper on an assigned
scientific topic. Applications are available on the Department of Multi-Organ
Transplant’s education website: www.uhn.ca/mot/education - under
“Educational Programs”. Information can also be found by searching for
“ASPIRE UHN” on major search engines. Please note that applications are
made available in the middle of December annually.
WHEN to apply?
All required documents must be submitted by the applicant whilst in his/her
Grade 11 or 12th year by the final day of February. Interviews will be
scheduled there-after, and successful applicants are notified no later than
early April.
Please e-mail any inquiries or questions to: [email protected].
APPLICATIONS
ASPIRE Alumni “Through the ASPIRE program, I gained a better understanding about transplantation and medicine through various education seminars, inpatient and outpatient rounds, and assisting with ongoing clinical research projects. Additionally, I met mentors who continue to inspire and guide me throughout my academic career”.
- Cha Cha Yang, ASPIRE 2014 Undergraduate Student, Harvard University