Featured Alumni

Hiral Dave, DGO, MBBS
M.A.S. (2015)

Current Position: Hiral is an intern at the Center for Promotion of Maternal Health and Infant Development, Department of Pediatrics, UC San Diego.

Why did you decide to get this MAS degree?
“To connect my passions for and experience in Clinical Medicine and Research, and I wanted to further expand a career in Women’s Health Research to contribute to modern medicine. As a graduate student of the Clinical Research program, I plan to continue to develop my research, written, and clinical skills in order to prepare for a successful career in Women’s Health Research not merely to use an established treatment as a physician, but to help establish new treatment plans. Therefore, the Master’s in Clinical Research proved as an EXCELLENT fit for my career path.”  

What did you like best about the program?
“The clinical research training helped me in extending my knowledge of research approaches and skills related to clinical trials. In addition, the program expanded my scientific writing skills facilitating future participation in grant and manuscript writing as well as critically analyzing scientific literature to support evidence-based medicine. The broad curriculum not only covered conducting clinical trials, but also GCP (Good Clinical Practice), Big-Data as well as Ethics of Clinical Research. I strongly believe that the training environment and expert faculties of this program provided the complete set of skills necessary for the field of clinical research. Also, the cultural and professional diversity of students’ were incomparable.”

What skills are you currently using that you learned in the program?
“Starting from developing a research theory and applying for funding all the way to conducting full-on clinical trials and publishing a scientific paper, I learned a great deal in the program. Simultaneously doing an internship, I could apply all theoretical knowledge directly to a real-world scenario. In my opinion, this hands-on experience is the BEST way of learning any new knowledge!”

What would you like to tell someone who is considering the program?
“This program has my highest recommendation for whoever is considering a career that involves Human subject research whether it is for career advancement or choosing a new career path altogether. Along with core courses to cover the heart and soul of clinical research, there are wide varieties of elective courses offered which I enjoyed a lot! Additionally, the flexibility of the program lets you fulfill any personal or professional responsibilities alongside it.”

Is there anything else you would like to add?
“Being part of this program gave me the unique opportunity to participate as a faculty member for the Oncofertility Science Academy of the Department of Reproductive Medicine at UC San Diego. It is a hands-on educational program that trains high-school girls in biology and reproductive medicine. Many of them go on to become the next generation of scientists and physicians. Teaching a day-long session of “Ethics in Reproductive Medicine” while engaging those energetic girls in the discussion has been extremely worthwhile, and knowing that I am able to make a difference in the careers of those aspiring young women interested in science and medicine.”

Hiral’s Independent Study Project:
“Effectiveness of mediolateral versus midline episiotomy in vaginal instrumental delivery to prevent anal sphincter injury.”

Education

• 2016   MAS, Clinical Research, University of California, San Diego
• 2006   DGO, M.P.Shah Medical College, India
• 2004   MBBS, M.P.Shah Medical College, India

Christine Totri
M.A.S. (2014)

Why did you decide to get this MAS degree?
“My desire to pursue a career in academic dermatology meant that a solid background in clinical research was essential. The MAS program was appealing as it provided a comprehensive overview of clinical research. It covered topics such as epidemiology, bio-statistics, patient-oriented research, data management, applied quantitative analysis, and outcomes research.”

What did you like best about the program?
“The MAS program at UC San Diego provided me with a unique opportunity to comprehensively study clinical research methodology and protocol while simultaneously allowing me to conduct clinical research. Such a balance allowed me to directly implement what I learned in the classroom to my research on a daily basis, maximizing my experience. “

What skills are you currently using that you learned in the program?
“There are so many skills that I have learned through the program that I utilize on a daily basis, both in a clinical and a research setting. With the program, my ability to critically analyze the literature in my field has been maximized, which directly benefits the patients I care for. In a research setting, I know the details and intricacies involved in conducting research from design to statistical analysis to writing the manuscript, all of which were covered in the program.”

What would you like to tell someone who is considering the program?
“I would highly recommend this program for anyone interested in learning the principles of clinical research as he/she will be provided with the tools necessary to conduct sound clinical research. Classes are taught by world class faculty who truly care about their students’ progress.  Furthermore, the program is flexible enough to allow one to pursue other projects (i.e. research, clinic, work).”

Is there anything else you would like to add?
“My interest in collaborative research has provided me the unique opportunity to work alongside international colleagues from Cuba, England, Greece, and France.”

Christine’s Independent Study Project:
“Therapeutic Patient Education for Atopic Dermatitis in Pediatric Patients”

Education

• 2015   M.D., University of California, San Diego
• 2014   M.A.S., Clinical Research
  • University of California, San Diego
• 2010   B.A., Molecular and Cellular Biology and Political Science
  • University of California, Berkeley

 

Aria Vazirnia
M.A.S. (2014)

Why did you decide to get this MAS degree?
“I decided to spend a year to get my MAS degree in order to attain the skill set for a future in academics and clinical research.”

What did you like best about the program?
“The program was great since it not only gave me a better understanding of biostatistics, epidemiology, and clinical research design, but also allowed me to work with other MAS students on manuscripts for publication.”

What skills are you currently using that you learned in the program?
“The program has taught me to properly design and conduct clinical research studies as well as to analyze data using appropriate statistical tests, such as regression analyses. In addition, the program has allowed me to become more proficient in critically analyzing the scientific literature and in using several different statistical software, such as SPSS and R.” 

What would you like to tell someone who is considering the program?
“This is a remarkable program for someone considering a future in academics and/or clinical or translational research.”

Is there anything else you would like to add?
“The program allows individuals from different backgrounds, professions, and levels of research experience to work together and learn from one another.”

Aria’s other talent:
Aria is an accomplished pianist. Here is a YouTube clip of his piano piece “Raindrops” set to a picture slideshow.

Aria’s Independent Study Project:
“Dysbiosis of the skin’s microbiome in patients with atopic dermatitis”

Education

• 2015   M.D., University of California, San Diego
• 2014   M.A.S., Clinical Research, University of California, San Diego
• 2010   B.S., Psychobiology, University of California, Los Angeles