Becoming a Well-Rounded Researcher in Global Clinical Scholars Research Training

Ramkrishna Kumar Singh is a physician and researcher with clinical focus areas in many impactful topics, such as hepatic steatosis, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, and breast cancer. He earned a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from Washington University and is a Graduate Policy Scholar from the Clark-Fox Policy Institute. Most recently, Singh worked as a research assistant at Washington University’s Global Research on Inclusion and Disability (GRID) lab, where he focused on dementia and Alzheimer’s patients in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and St. Louis, specifically looking at the social determinants of health, aging, and cognitive functioning. He graduated from Harvard Medical School’s Global Clinical Scholars Research Training program in May 2024 and started as a post-doctoral neurology research associate just weeks after graduation. 

Interested in how Ramkrishna Kumar Singh's journey has progressed? See his updated interview.

After earning his MPH degree, Singh found that his work and use of statistical analysis techniques were solely focused on public health topics. As a physician with a desire to expand the scope of his medical research and career options, Singh applied for and was accepted to the Global Clinical Scholars Research Training program at Harvard Medical School.

“I wanted to have focused experience and training in clinical research. The quality of research and its impact on the community matter—Harvard is known for its stellar research, and I wanted mentorship and training from experts in their fields.” 

Developing a Multifaceted Clinical Research Skillset 

As an early career researcher, Singh asked himself about the necessity of learning coding languages and skills. He quickly realized that even if a researcher is not actively coding in their day-to-day work, there is a crucial need to understand what is happening behind the scenes as a well-rounded researcher. The Global Clinical Research Scholars Training program teaches students to use STATA, a statistical software for analysis and visualization of clinical data. “With a coding skillset, you can guide the statistician on tests that need to be done. If there is a time crunch, you can do the analysis on your own. You are basically a one-person army, so you can really control the quality of your research.” 

Singh also reflects on the value that his group project team members added to his experience. This Harvard Medical School program enrolls physicians and clinicians from around the world with varying focus areas, creating a diverse network of perspectives. “Many of my team members were advanced in their careers and offered perspectives on our group projects that I had not previously considered. It’s been great to build these connections and relationships.” Singh expects the relationships he developed throughout the program will play a lasting role in his career. 

The Global Clinical Scholars Research Training program comprises three in-person workshops over one year. In addition to the development of research and analysis skills, as well as networking opportunities, Singh highly valued the interpersonal growth he experienced. The workshops featured industry-focused panel discussions from experts, soft skills training, and insights gleaned from the personal experiences of accomplished researchers. 

“There was research experience as well as personal development, and I did not find that with any other programs,” says Singh.

A Capstone Project with Real-World Impact

During the program, students develop a capstone project in which they create and submit a research proposal to receive Harvard Medical School faculty review. For many researchers in the program, this part of the curriculum offers an excellent opportunity to elevate their work from other aspects of their career. Having been heavily involved in clinical research related to hepatic steatosis in liver transplant patients and prospective liver transplant donors at a leading hospital in New Delhi, Singh decided to expand upon this topic during his time at Harvard Medical School. 

To study hepatic steatosis, typically an MRI is needed, which comes with expensive imaging costs and is not realistic or accessible for those who live in low-socioeconomic areas. Singh wanted to develop a way to monitor and elevate care for patients in need without access to an MRI.

“A large population in India lives below the poverty line. I was hoping to create a model where if I added details such as liver volume or psoas muscle index to do an initial screening, patients could receive an ultrasound.” Singh’s ultrasound model would offer a more accessible way to screen for hepatic steatosis and determine if a patient needs to see a hepatologist or specialized physician for further care. In the months and years to come, the input from Harvard Medical School faculty and peers will continue to impact this project. 

Career Advancement after Global Clinical Scholars Research Training

In June of 2024, Singh will begin a new role as a post-doctoral research associate at Washington University in the neurology department, a highly competitive position, to continue his work in clinical research on Alzheimer’s disease. He credits his experience at Harvard Medical School for this next step in his career. “Wherever I applied, the first thing the interviewers wanted to know about was my experience in the Global Clinical Scholars Research Training program. Many times, there was a focused discussion just on the program group projects, workshops, and my clinical training at Harvard.” Within two weeks of graduation, Singh had his job offer in hand. 

Singh is immensely grateful to have received multiple job offers and the opportunity to choose the research area he was most interested in pursuing, thanks to his time spent in the Global Clinical Scholars Research Training program.

Updated as of November 2025

1. What motivated you to enroll in Global Clinical Scholars Research Training, and what were you hoping to gain from the experience?
   
   During my MPH in Epidemiology and Biostatistics, I was trained across a broad range of public health disciplines, including health administration, environmental health, and population-level research. While this provided a strong interdisciplinary understanding of public health, I wanted to develop a more focused and structured foundation in clinical research, specifically, how to apply biostatistical and epidemiologic principles to patient-centered investigations and clinical study design.
   
   I was also seeking a program that could be completed within one year, allowing me to graduate from both Global Clinical Scholars Research Training and my MPH at the same time. The fact that the Global Clinical Scholars Research Training program is designed for professionals with a clinical background was an important factor in my decision, as it ensured that participants shared similar goals and could engage in advanced, meaningful discussions. The program’s structure and pacing made it feasible to balance rigorous learning with ongoing professional responsibilities, creating an ideal environment to refine analytical thinking and strengthen practical, globally relevant research skills.
    
2. How has the program influenced your professional growth or opened new opportunities in your career?
   
   The Global Clinical Scholars Research Training program has had a lasting impact on how I think about and conduct research. It strengthened my ability to approach clinical questions with greater structure, clarity, and scientific precision. The program’s focus on protocol development, data interpretation, and critical appraisal helped me refine my conceptualization of research, from defining a question to designing an approach that is both methodologically sound and clinically meaningful.
   
   It also enhanced my scientific writing and communication skills, which are essential for presenting complex ideas clearly and effectively. The coursework and discussions encouraged me to evaluate my own work more critically and to consider how research can drive improvements in patient care and public health.
   
   Beyond the academic content, the program connected me to a global community of clinicians and researchers who share a commitment to advancing evidence-based medicine. These interactions provided new perspectives, broadened my collaborative approach, and continue to influence the way I engage in multidisciplinary research.
    
3. What advice would you share with professionals considering Global Clinical Scholars Research Training?
   
   The Global Clinical Scholars Research Training program is designed for professionals from diverse backgrounds. You do not need a background in epidemiology or biostatistics to succeed. The curriculum is structured to build knowledge progressively, guiding participants from foundational principles to more advanced applications in clinical research.
   
   Do not be intimidated by the data analysis component or the use of STATA. The program teaches you from the basics how to use the software, manage data, and interpret outputs, so even those new to statistical tools can learn confidently. The focus is on understanding concepts and applying them meaningfully, not on becoming a programmer or data scientist.
   
   My advice is to begin with a clear goal of what you want to achieve by the end of the program. This clarity helps you stay focused and ensures that your learning aligns with your professional aspirations.
   
   Plan your schedule early and allocate dedicated time each week so that coursework and professional responsibilities remain balanced. Finally, be active, curious, and engaged, participate in discussions, ask questions, and connect with peers. The more you contribute, the richer and more rewarding the experience becomes.
    

Written by: Meredith Faxon