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Live online course
Course Description
The Core Concepts in Clinical Research program is a live-online 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.
At a glance
Practical foundation for a data-driven career
Whether pursuing a research career or advancing your evidence-based practice, make your next steps achievable.
Close your research knowledge gap
Fully understand and be able to implement the methods behind the studies you read every day.
Active learning, not passive lectures
Join breakout rooms, engage in discussions, and explore real-world exercises.
Course Details
Course Dates
January 28, 2026 - March 18, 2026
Sessions
8 weekly live sessions, 2 hours per session via Zoom (16 hours total)
Choose time slot
Morning: 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. EST
Afternoon: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. EST
Course Language
English
Course Style
Lectures, breakout rooms, group work, teaching exercises, and polls
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
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.
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
Over 2 months, 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.
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Core Concepts in Clinical Research
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Morning
8 a.m. EST
Afternoon
3 p.m. EST
More information
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Access to Materials and Course Content
When will the course materials be made available?
The course materials will be released five days before the first live session on the AMBOSS platform (January 23, 2026).
Where can I find the Zoom link to the live event?
Once the course material is accessible, five days prior to the live event, the Zoom link for the live event will be in the course introduction.
What happens if I don’t have access to AMBOSS yet?
Participants who do not yet have an AMBOSS account will automatically receive free access for three months once the course materials are released, five days prior to the live event.
How long will I have access to the content?
As long as you have an active AMBOSS account, access to the online course is guaranteed at least through August 2027.
CME and MOC information
CME credits and, if applicable, Maintenance of Certification (MOC) points will be issued through our online learner portal to participants who have attended all live sessions, achieved a minimum score of 70% on the post-course quiz, and submitted the activity evaluation. More information.
Accreditation Statements
AMBOSS is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME®) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
American Medical Association (AMA)
AMBOSS designates this regularly scheduled series activity for a maximum of 16 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Maintenance of Certification (MOC)
American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) MOCA 2.0® Program
This activity contributes to the CME component of the American Board of Anesthesiology’s redesigned Maintenance of Certification in Anesthesiology™ (MOCA®) program, known as MOCA 2.0®. Please consult the ABA website, www.theABA.org, for a list of all MOCA 2.0 requirements.
American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Program
Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to 16 medical knowledge MOC points in the American Board of Internal Medicine’s (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABIM MOC credit.
American Board of Pathology (ABPath) Continuing Certification Program
Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to 16 Lifelong Learning points in the American Board of Pathology's (ABPath) Continuing Certification program. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit learner completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting credit.
American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Program
Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the learner to earn up to 16 MOC points in the American Board of Pediatrics’ (ABP) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit learner completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABP MOC credit.
American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (ABOHNS) Continuing Certification Program
Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn their required annual part II self-assessment credit in the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery’s Continuing Certification program (formerly known as MOC). It is the CME activity provider's responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of recognizing participation.
American Board of Surgery (ABS) Continuous Certification Program
Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the learner to earn credit toward the CME and Self-Assessment requirements of the American Board of Surgery’s Continuous Certification program. It is the CME activity provider's responsibility to submit learner completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABS credit.
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) Maintenance of Certification Program
Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the learner to earn credit toward the CME requirements of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery’s Maintenance of Certification program. It is the CME activity provider's responsibility to submit learner completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABOS credit.
American Board of Thoracic Surgery (ABTS) Continuing Certification Program
Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the learner to earn credit toward the CME and Self-Assessment requirements of the American Board of Thoracic Surgery’s Maintenance of Certification program. It is the CME activity provider's responsibility to submit learner completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABTS credit.
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.
