ASRM/NICHD/DUKE Clinical Research/ Reproductive Scientist Training (CREST) Program

This training program is offered by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), the Clinical Research Training Program (CRTP) at Duke University, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), and the University of Colorado School of Medicine.  CREST meets an existing need for formalized academic training in the quantitative and methodological principles of clinical research in reproductive medicine. Designed specifically for physicians in private or academic clinical practice in reproductive medicine, this innovative 2-year program engages the practicing physician in clinical research while allowing the individual to maintain an active role in clinical practice.

During the first year, participants in the program, CREST Scholars, receive didactic on-line training from the CRTP, attend CREST seminars at the annual meeting of ASRM, and attend an in-person investigator meeting of NIH funded PIs conducting clinical trials in reproductive medicine. Scholars who successfully complete the didactic component of the program receive a certificate from the CRTP at Duke University. In the second year, Scholars are provided with access to research mentorship, biostatistical support, and opportunities to engage in team science.  All are expected to conduct, present, and publish secondary analyses of existing clinical trial databases that are relevant to the Scholar’s own interest and that will continue beyond the CREST program. Such opportunities include: 1) participating in secondary analysis of data relating to the Reproductive Medicine Network, the newly formed CONFIRM consortia, or other selected studies; 2) developing and completing a clinical research project in their own practice; 3) participating in other NIH or ASRM activities that pertain to research and/or assessment of the literature (e.g., an ASRM guidelines task force).

Any M.D. engaged in the practice of reproductive medicine – regardless of specialty – and who has completed training is eligible to apply. Applications from obstetrician-gynecologists, urologists, internists, and family practitioners (among others) are welcome. Individuals who are underrepresented in medicine (https://www.aamc.org/what-we-do/mission-areas/diversity-inclusion/underrepresented-in-medicine) and females are encouraged to apply.

For more information:  

• CREST Application Form
• Please contact the CREST PI, Nanette Santoro, M.D., at Nicole.Goetz@cuanschutz.edu

See what the CREST Scholars say about the program: 

I thought I had a good understanding of study design and statistics. CREST has put it all together for me in an intelligently formatted series of modules. I can’t wait to design and implement my next study. 
– Ruben Alvero, M.D., CREST Scholar 

I feel very fortunate to be participating in the CREST program. I’m relearning some concepts that I was introduced to as a reproductive endocrinology fellow, but I am better able to appreciate them now that I have been in clinical practice. I’d highly recommend the program to anyone wishing to improve his/her clinical research skills. 
– Valerie Baker, M.D., CREST Scholar 

The CREST program has been an invaluable part of my career development.  Through CREST, I have had numerous opportunities to network and collaborate with nationally recognized investigators.  As a former CREST scholar, I have also been asked to participate in ASRM working groups and contribute to practice committee documents.   I highly recommend the CREST program to anyone interested in honing their research skills and building relationships with others in the field. 
– Jennifer L. Eaton, M.D., M.S.C.I., CREST Scholar

I could not recommend the CREST program any more highly.  The educational material was very clear and provides practical education in study design and statistics.  This helped me to immediately improve my research projects.  As an alumnus of the program, CREST continues to provide me with opportunities to conduct research with leading researchers in reproductive medicine and very robust data sets.
– Micah J. Hill, M.D., CREST Scholar

CREST has helped to further my understanding of clinical research design and statistics. The web-based format makes it easy to interact with the CREST faculty and other CREST scholars. I feel lucky to participate in the program in its inaugural year. 
– Rebecca S. Usadi, M.D., CREST Scholar  

Congratulations to the 2021 Class of CREST Scholars!

• Kelly S. Acharya, M.D.
• Jennifer K. Blakemore, M.D.
• Laura Bozzuto, M.D.
• Chelsea W. Fox, M.D.
• Luis R. Hoyos, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.
• Yetunde O. Ibrahim, M.D.
• Bruce D. Pier, M.D.