MICHR Welcomes Two New Faculty Directors to Energize Research Training
The Michigan Institute for Clinical and Health Research (MICHR) is leading the way in building the field of translational science with the intent of extending life and reducing the impact of illness and disability. The training and education of principal investigators and clinical research staff professionals are integral to that mission. MICHR is pleased to welcome two new faculty members to lead these training initiatives, Ronald Chervin, MD, MS, and Justine Wu, MD, MPH, whose roles are designed to enhance our training programs, foster research excellence, and support the growth and success of the research community.
Dr. Wu will serve as the faculty director for MICHR programs focused on training and education for Clinical Research Staff Professionals (CRSPs). CRSPs include many roles, such as research nurses, pharmacists, administrators, study coordinators, consultants, data managers, quality assurance managers, regulatory affairs managers, and educators in clinical trial management. MICHR’s CRSP initiatives are aimed at developing, testing, and disseminating innovations in education and training. Examples include innovative seminars, workshops, e-learning courses, and experiential opportunities; interactive online educational programs; and novel outreach programs to grow the pool of CRSPs.
Dr. Wu is an Associate Professor of Family Medicine and Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Michigan Medical School. She is a family physician with advanced clinical and research training in family planning. Dr. Wu serves as the current Co-Director of the Mixed Methods Program at the University of Michigan. She has expertise in the use of qualitative and mixed methods to create user-centered, person-centered interventions; clinical trial design; and community-engaged research. Her content expertise is in contraceptive decision support for people with unique health considerations, including chronic conditions, disabilities, and breast cancer.
Dr. Chervin will serve as the faculty director for MICHR programs focused on training and education for principal investigators (PIs). This training extends across all career stages in the pipeline toward becoming the PI of a study (e.g., postdocs, house officers, faculty, and physicians in clinical practice). The focus is on study design, grantsmanship, leadership of a program of research, regulatory compliance duties of PIs, effective dissemination of study findings, and mentoring other learners on a career path towards becoming a PI.
Dr. Chervin is the Michael S Aldrich Collegiate Professor of Sleep Medicine, Assistant Dean for Clinical Research, Professor of Neurology, and Co-Chief for the Division of Sleep Medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School. He has contributed to clinical research on a wide range of subjects in sleep medicine, including obstructive sleep apnea, assessment strategies, sleepiness, cognitive and behavioral consequences of sleep disorders, and sleep across life span.