A Clinical Fellow is a doctoral-level health professional with interest in biomedical research relevant to NIH program needs, who is employed on a time-limited appointment renewable subject to the five-year/eight-year rule. Clinical Fellows participate in protocol-based clinical research as well as laboratory research. Scientists with considerable experience beyond postdoctoral training (PGY-9 equivalent or beyond) may be designated Senior Clinical Fellows provided they fulfill the competitive selection requirements.

The purpose of a Clinical Fellowship is to provide junior-level physicians experience in biomedical research relevant to NIH's program needs. This position has both clinical and laboratory components, with some time spent in direct patient contact supporting the performance of clinical protocols and the rest in laboratory research related to these protocols. In some cases, Clinical Fellows may receive approved credit towards residency training, advanced subspecialty training, or Board certification.

To be eligible for the Clinical Fellowship, a candidate must be a graduate of an accredited medical or osteopathic school and have satisfactorily completed an internship approved by the Council on Medical Education and Hospitals, the American Medical Association, or the American Osteopathic Association. The candidate must have demonstrated outstanding scholastic achievement and the ability to conduct successfully, with minimal supervision, pre-established programs in both clinical and laboratory research.

Initial appointments are approved by the IC Scientific Director for 2 to 3 years. The maximum length of this fellowship is 8 years - the duration is determined by the length of time spent at NIH in all fellowship capacities - unless the scientist is approved for tenure-track or another permanent NIH appointment. (5/8 year Duration policy).

Because Clinical Fellows perform services for NIH in addition to the research experience, these positions apply against the IC's FTE ceiling. Appointments are made either through the Civil Service/Title 42 or the PHS Commissioned Corps. Title 38 provisions may be applicable.

More detailed information about the program and application process is available through the Office of Intramural Training and Education web site on: http://www.training.nih.gov/