Oxford College graduates are making an impact on the community.  All of our graduates in the Clinical Research program are now employed in this field and beginning successful careers.  Here are some testimonials from our alumni about the Clinical Research program.

Marina K.

I am writing this letter to thank Oxford College and especially Dr Nicholas for the knowledge and skills that I have gained during the program.

I am an International Medical Graduate from Belarus and as many other immigrants came to Canada for a better future. In order to get back to the Health Care Field, I enrolled in the Clinical Research Program at Oxford College. During the program I’ve learnt all the different aspects about clinical trials and that material helps me to perform on a high level these days at my work place.

The college provided all students, including me, with excellent placements, which turned into my first job, and I am so happy and proud to be a part of a SickKids Hospital team now.

I would definitely recommend the Oxford Clinical Research program to all International Medical Graduates because it is an excellent bridge from your experience in the past to a new and exciting future.

Justin Z.

I was led to Oxford College by my friend, and soon after I was interviewed by Dr. Nicholas and accepted into the program.

In the beginning of the program everything looked easy and I thought I wouldn’t have to study hard, but once past the introductory courses it just kept getting more demanding and I found myself every day either in the college or the library. Sometimes I thought he is giving us too much material, more than what we needed, but now I understand that this field is much broader than I thought and actually that makes it more exciting.

Since the very first day of my placement I found my self knowledgeable enough to face any challenge without being afraid, although I wasn’t familiar with many processes that a data manager needs to know in order to take on a study on his own. I don’t mean that I could do it now but that’s beside the point; I have this courage to say that I learn something every day and I owe this to Dr. Nicholas for giving me a good background so I can now absorb every piece of research knowledge.

As a matter of fact clinical research is not like many other fields, which after graduation the student is required to repeat what he/she has learned. This field is totally different: it has a vast variety and no matter how much knowledge you grasp through the program, you will need to be geared in one direction, and experience after graduation has a big role to play.

I really appreciate Dr. Nicholas and Oxford College for all the effort they put up for me and for the others.

Alex R.

When I arrived in Canada I did not know what to do. I did not like the idea of studying (for LMCC) without any guarantee of ever being able to practice in Canada …

I have always liked research and I made the decision to go ahead and take a good program after realizing that it was extremely difficult to get a good research job without proper training. I really liked the idea of the carefully chosen placement that the program offers. I had the wonderful opportunity to study at Oxford, the course is very well designed and I really learned a lot. During my placement I continued to learn, my confidence improved a lot and I soon got a job offer. I am very happy now and I feel very comfortable at the hospital; I have the best coordinators and PI to work with!

The Oxford Program is an excellent program and I feel well prepared for a future in clinical research. A special thank you to Dr. Nicholas for EVERYTHING…

Sandra G.

Having taken the Oxford College Clinical Research program for a year I would highly recommend it for all those interested in a research career. The program offers an excellent syllabus with 28 courses from basic medical subjects such as Anatomy and Principles of Molecular Genetics to Drug Development, Ethics and Applications to Regulatory Bodies. The program also explores different aspects of research including community research programs and translation to primary care issues; it helped me to acquire a solid knowledge and a broad education, essential for success in this field. One important component of the program was that it gave me back confidence and hope. During my daily classes there was always time for discussions and interaction with classmates and the professor, in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The friendly settings were a clear asset of the program. As a result my academic performance was excellent and my self-confidence improved steadily along with the many opportunities I was given to present diverse topics; presentations were always held to the highest professional standards. The placement component of the program gave me the opportunity to be assigned to a prestigious academic environment. I had the fortune of doing my placement at the Women College Research Institute, affiliated with the University of Toronto. During my placement I attended research and medical rounds, conferences and discussions all while working and gaining practical experience toward my goal of becoming a research coordinator. I am excited and grateful for the chance that the Oxford program has given me and I would strongly recommend it.

Adriana R.

I want to thank Oxford College and especially Dr Nicholas who worked arduously with us during the clinical research program. I want to praise the superior design of the program; it is showing great results as many foreign health professionals can testify having been accepted to good job positions in Ontario.

The didactic and clinical content of the program and the quality of the presentations are all excellent; the delivery of the topics is really clear and effective. The material contains exactly what we need to know to work as a Clinical Research Associate or as a Coordinator.

My goal as an International Medical Graduate was to find some activity that allowed me to work close to, or within a medical environment where I could make use of my medical knowledge. My dream came true and I can say that you made an important contribution to my achievements; without you assistance I do not think I would have succeeded in finding my excellent job position at the WCRI, working as I am with experts in the Genetics of Breast Cancer.

I would like to offer my availability to the College if you should consider that my experience may be of value to others.

Patrizia R.

You don’t have any idea how useful it has been for me to have taken the Oxford Clinical Research Program! I would like to thank all of you at Oxford who have helped me reach my goal. Dr. Nicholas, I would like to express my appreciation for your incredible service as professor; the contributions you have made over the past year have been invaluable to me, for my education and for my establishment in Canada, and I am now working and I would say that it is thanks to you! I appreciate the effort you have made in the design of the program at Oxford College - you clearly care about teaching.

Dr. Nicholas has really been one of my favourite professors. He taught me not only all of the aspects of Clinical Research but also about Canadian culture and about the labour environment, about job interviews, writing resumes and about behaviours, norms and professionalism here in Canada. It has been very useful for me, he has prepared me not only for working in clinical research but also in how to find a job which is the main goal, I feel lucky that I found this course and that I learned this material from him.

I enjoyed the small, personalized size of the class and the discussions; it was a hard year especially to study for all Dr. Nicholas’ exams, however it was useful because to pass you have to study and understand almost 100% of the subject. It taught me and helped me to know most aspects of clinical research. The program is really complete and it was a refreshing change to hear his British accent. After going through the program I feel very prepared for my future research career.

I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be exposed to a new discipline and a great teacher!