In collaboration with
Course Description
The Core Concepts in Clinical Research program is a on demand course designed to provide a clear, engaging introduction to clinical research. By focusing on the most important aspects of the highest-impact study designs, learners develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Our active learning approach, through discussions, group work, and applied exercises, ensures deep engagement and long-term retention.
Our active learning approach, through discussions, group work, and applied exercises, ensures deep engagement and long-term retention.
Who is this course for?
This course is designed for all healthcare professionals who are looking to enter the field of clinical research or strengthen their skills in interpreting and working with clinical studies. This includes:
- Residents
- Fellows
- Attending physicians
- Medical students
- Other healthcare professionals
- Clinician-scientists
Designed for use across specialties
The course covers core principles of clinical research and is structured to be accessible and relevant regardless of medical specialty. It is suitable for fields such as:
- Internal Medicine
- Family Medicine
- Surgery
- Anesthesiology
- Gynecology
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- as well as all other disciplines
Course Details
Certification
Earn a certificate that reflects excellence, awarded by NEJM Group & AMBOSS.
Course Language
English
Course Style
Step-by-step skills development with interactive quizzes, practice questions (MC), NEJM articles, AMBOSS chapters, and more
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Understand why specific study designs are chosen for research questions
- Apply key concepts of biostatistics and epidemiology to study design
- Define exposure, intervention, comparator, and primary outcomes in a trial
- Formulate a clear, testable hypothesis
- Confidently interpret and evaluate high-impact clinical research
- Identify study limitations and their implications for practice
Course Goals
- Develop a fundamental understanding of the design, analysis, and interpretation of clinical research
- Equip learners with the skill set required to evaluate and apply the evidence
- Improve study design rigor and enhance clinical research careers
Earn your certificate to prove your competencies in clinical research awarded by NEJM Group & AMBOSS.
Course Director
Course Director
Kenneth B. Christopher, MD, SM
Renowned Harvard clinician-educator with global research and teaching experience
Dr. Kenneth Christopher is a nephrologist, intensivist, clinical scientist, and Assistant Program Director of the Internal Medicine Residency Program at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Trained in clinical trials, epidemiology, and critical care outcomes at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, he combines rigorous research expertise with a global teaching perspective, having led education programs across the US, UK, and Asia. Widely published and recognized with multiple national awards, Dr. Christopher is also celebrated for his excellence in teaching and mentorship at Harvard Medical School.
.webp)
Additional Faculty
Jamie M. Robertson, PhD, MPH
Dr. Jamie M. Robertson is an Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at Harvard Medical School and a Senior Research Scientist at the STRATUS Center for Medical Simulation at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Her funded research (NASA, NSF, NIH) focuses on improving patient safety in clinical spaces using simulation-based methods. Primarily, her focus is on nontechnical skills, including communication and leadership, for health care teams. Nationally, she is a former Associate Editor for the Healthcare Simulation Dictionary and a leader in simulation design and implementation. She is among the first 50 individuals to earn the designation of Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator-Advanced, and she is a Fellow of the Academy of Simulation in Healthcare. Dr. Robertson completed her undergraduate education at Seattle University before earning her MPH in Behavioral and Community Health Sciences and PhD in Epidemiology from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health.
The Challenge
Research Doesn’t Need to be Painful
The work that health care providers do every day depends on research. Yet many were never formally taught how to evaluate study design, interpret statistics, or apply findings, let alone how to embark on a research career. As a result, research can feel overwhelming, and valuable insights remain out of reach.
This course addresses that blind spot directly, providing the structured foundation needed to understand and apply research with confidence.
The Promise
Build the Skills to Engage in Research with Confidence
With this course, you'll:
- Gain fundamental knowledge of study design and interpretation
- Learn to evaluate the rigor and relevance of research studies
- Apply biostatistics and epidemiology concepts to clinical questions
- Develop the skill set to launch or contribute to clinical research projects
Who It's For
Designed for Aspiring Researchers and Data-Driven Clinicians
Health care professionals of all career stages who want to pursue a career in research and/or improve their skills in interpreting research findings.
Join the waiting list
Core Concepts in Clinical Research
More information
Get all your answers
Independent Education
This course was developed jointly by physician-authors and editors at AMBOSS and NEJM Group, without commercial support, and in accordance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education.
Data Protection
The AMBOSS privacy policy applies to all participants.
