Clinical Epidemiology (Research Master)

The Research Master in Clinical Epidemiology of the Netherlands Institute for Health Sciences (Nihes) is an international research training programme in quantitative medicine and health sciences. The programme provides a solid theoretical, methodological and statistical basis for designing and implementing a research project and teaches students how to best publishing their results. In addition, it offers an opportunity to participate in toplevel research at one of the research groups or departments participating in Nihes. After successful completion, graduates will be awarded a Master of Science degree.

Clinical Epidemiology has six specialisations:

 

Epidemiology

Epidemiology studies the incidence, causes, consequences and control of disease, as well as people, patients and populations. It is a fundamental discipline for clinical medicine and public health. Epidemiology combines basic science and clinical research, providing tools for studying the etiology and consequences of diseases, as well as options for prevention and treatment, and risk profiles of individuals and populations.

 

Clinical Epidemiology

Over recent years, the quantitative approach inherent to epidemiology, clinical decision analysis and biostatistics has become increasingly important part of clinical research and practice. Because clinicians are increasingly expected to combine patient care with clinical research, there is a growing need for physicians who can initiate and participate in research projects. Clinical Epidemiology - which is empirical and patient oriented - meets these complex requirements best.

 

Genetic Epidemiology

Genetic Epidemiology is concerned with studying the genes involved in complex disorders. It focuses on the uses of genetic, molecular and epidemiological research in identifying the possible familial and hereditary factors underlying the origins and manifestations of human disease. The cause of most chronic diseases -including cancer, coronary artery disease, diabetes, hypertension, and psychiatric disorders- may lie in the interactions between environmental factors and genetic susceptibility. Genetic Epidemiology helps optimize etiological studies through an integrated approach that draws on the methodologies of epidemiology, biostatistics, genetics and molecular biology.

 

Health Services Research

Health Services Research addresses various aspects of health care, being a multidisciplinary field involving basic and applied science. It examines how access, quality, cost and benefits are affected by social factors, financing systems, health technologies, personal behaviour and organizational structures and processes. By researching individuals, families, organisations, institutions, communities and populations, Health Services Research supports the development of innovative health care services based on effectiveness and efficiency, and on applying the latest advances in preventive, clinical and health care research.

 

Public Health

Public health is the art and science of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health through the organized efforts of society. Public health interventions are directed at whole populations. Many improvements have resulted from successful public health initiatives: vaccination and other forms of infectious disease control, safer working environments, preventive mother and childcare, safer and healthier foods, family planning, improved traffic safety, and tobacco control. To achieve or preserve access to effective health care services in society, there is a considerable need for public health expertise.

 

Medical Informatics

Through the use of information systems, Medical Informatics supports data analysis and decision-making in medicine and health care by structuring medical data and knowledge. It covers a wide spectrum of applications: from computer-based patient records in general practices and hospitals to electronic communication between health care providers, and from signal-analysis and image processing to decision-support systems. It also addresses various aspects of implementation and validation.

Applicants should hold a university Bachelor?s degree from a school of medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine, in a discipline related to clinical medicine and public health (health sciences, nutrition, biology, pharmacy, environmental sciences, social sciences, economics, etc.). Medical Informatics is also open to graduates from disciplines such as physics, electrical engineering and computer science who have a particular interest in medical applications. Applicants should have no prior research experience and should be fluent in spoken and written English. A motivation letter explaining the reasons why a student wishes to participate in the programme is required, as well as two recent letters of recommendation.The Research Master?s programmes of the Netherlands Institute for Health Sciences prepare students for research, executive and advisory positions in clinical medicine, drug research, public health and health-policy development. Outstanding Master?s graduates may continue (after selection) with one additional year of research training. These Doctoral programmes consist of two semesters during which students attend advanced courses and carry out research project under the guidance of a senior tutor. Doctor of Science graduates have an excellent starting position to undertake a PhD research project.