CIP Information

What is CIP?

The Clinician Investigator Program (CIP) is a two-year postgraduate medical education program accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) through the continuous training pathway. CIP trainees can be a part of any RCPSC accredited medical specialty or subspecialty taking a thesis-based research program. CIP training includes 80% dedicated time for closely mentored research training, seminars based on CanMEDS competencies, and a connection with other trainees doing research for future networking possibilities. All CIP trainees commence their research training while registered as a postgraduate trainee.

The aim of the Clinician Investigator Program at the ß÷ßäÉçÇø is to promote the development of strong clinician investigators, helping them receive their MSc or PhD to strengthen their future careers and the overall healthcare system. As a trained and certified clinician researcher, you will also be highly competitive in funding competitions and well equipped to answer your research questions.

Is CIP right for you?

Are you a professional, career-minded resident who is interested in obtaining their MSc or PhD, gaining a deeper understanding of medical research, and making yourself a competitive applicant in the future job market? If so, CIP might be right for you.

To be eligible to apply for CIP, you must be:

  1. At the ß÷ßäÉçÇø in a Royal College of Physician and Surgeons of Canada clinical residency OR eligible for conditional acceptance by applying in a sub-specialty Pediatric or Internal Medicine program, pre-CaRMs match results.
  2. In your Postgraduate Year (PGY) 2 year or later.
  3. Interested in taking a thesis-based graduate studies program.
  4. Have not had a remediation or are going into remediation.

We also recommend:

A supervisor with a previous history of leadership with students and a space for you to interact with other graduate students.

An experienced committee with at least one member aside from your supervisor(s).

What are the advantages of doing CIP?
  • Two years of mentored research training
  • Minimum 80% protected research time
  • MED 650 class (Fundamentals for Clinical Investigators) helps to prepare you for a career as a clinician investigator
  • Completion of a research-based graduate degree program
  • An environment that allows you to work alongside other trainees that have similar career goals
  • The opportunity to work with leaders in your research field of interest
  • RCPSC accredited residency program
  • Events to help you develop contacts and network within a specific clinical research field
  • The opportunity to create a more competitive body of work for application to faculty positions