A significant milestone for our Clinician Doctorate Program “ClinDoc-Viral” has been reached: We successfully defended our proposal and received positive feedback. The final funding decision is expected in June.

“ClinDoc-Viral” focuses on five key research areas related to viral infections in transplant patients, including SARS-CoV-2, BK Polyomavirus (BKPyV), Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV), Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), and Hepatitis E Virus (HEV). The research addresses critical medical questions, such as the development of resistance to antiviral drugs, the direct effects of immunosuppressants on viral replication, and immune responses of NK cells, T cells, and antibodies under immunosuppression. A special focus is placed on viral co-reactivation and the interactions between different viruses.

The program, jointly developed by Ruhr University Bochum (RUB), the University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE), and TU Dortmund, provides a structured opportunity to combine a medical doctorate with clinical work. It includes a three-tiered qualification structure with mandatory and elective courses. In addition to methodological training, seminars in virology, immunology, and transplant medicine are offered. A three-week internship in scientific departments provides an intensive introduction to research. Furthermore, existing modules from the graduate schools BIOME (UDE) and RUB Research School will be integrated into the program.

With the successful defence of our proposal, we are one step closer to establishing an innovative training program for “Clinician Doctorates.” We look forward to the final decision in June.