FAQ

What is the CCHCSP?

The Canadian Child Health Clinician Scientist Program (CCHCSP) is a transdisciplinary training program for the next generation of clinician-scientists in child and youth health research in Canada. The CCHCSP is the first national network of 13 Canadian Child and Youth Health Research Centres dedicated to training the next generation of clinician-scientists.

The CCHCSP recruits, trains and supports researchers and clinician-scientists who have an interest in child and youth health. A core curriculum delivers a common multidisciplinary language of research, while imparting professional skills and values. It provides opportunity for education and collaborative experiences with institutions and researchers across Canada.

Who is eligible?

Clinicians (physicians and other child health care practitioners trained in a child health clinical discipline) who have demonstrated an ability to engage in research, and who are pursuing a career in research, are eligible to apply to the program. Eligible applicants include clinicians in paediatric medicine, paediatric surgery, as well as other child/youth health clinicians in nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech/language pathology & audiology, nutrition, psychology, social work.

How do I apply?

Application forms are available in PDF format at How to apply. Comprehensive eligibility requirements and from our office or by email heather.nash@sickkids.ca

Please consult with your Mentor to discuss your suitability for the program.

What is funded?

The annual stipend is $70,000 per annum without benefits. Successful awardees are expected to organize their own benefits with the host institution. Stipends are valued in Canadian dollars and are taxable. It is expected that 50% of the award ($ 35,000) will be contributed by the CCHCSP and 50% ($ 35,000) by the host institution. No research or travel allowance will be provided. However, the Award recipients and their supervisors will be supported to attend the Annual National Symposium in the fall of each year of the award, and appropriate Mini (regional) Symposia.

What is the CCHCSP application deadline?

The Competition deadlines are April 1 and November 1 of each year, unless posted otherwise. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

For an MD applying for a Career Development Award...?

For an MD applying for a Career Development Award: The award guide says "completed doctoral level research training". In the case of a MD, do they have to have a PhD ?

For an MD without a PhD it is expected that the research training prior to the career development award would be of the quality that could be expected from a PhD i.e. 2 or more high impact first-author papers and contributions to others, with the nature of the publications varying with the type of research undertaken. We would distinguish such training from a 2-year research fellowship that is generally of insufficient length to generate work of this quality and quantity.

I am approaching 12 months into a PhD program, am I eligible for a Doctoral level award?

Yes, guidelines allow for up to 12 months completion of a doctoral level program. However, you are ineligible if you are more than 12 months into your PhD program. There are no exceptions or extensions to these dates.

See the awards guidelines for more information.

Am I eligible to apply for an award if I am able to be on the temporary register for Psychologist this August?

Given the current eligibility criteria, "Psychologists who have completed a doctoral degree and have completed the requirements for clinical practice. Those individuals completing their training may be on a temporary register for supervised practice while undertaking the registration examinations." The application would be premature, however would be a good candidate for the new RRSP program.

Can I submit my application as well as have an interview in French?

Yes, however you must clearly indicate that you would like the interview to be conducted in French on your application. Early indication that your application will be submitted in French is appreciated in order that we can arrange the appropriate reviewers.

How can I gain access to the core curriculum?

You must have a unique user ID and password to be able to view the core curriculum. Please contact your Centre Leader for more information on local participation and access.

A CCHCSP Award is co-funded with my 'host institution'. What does that mean? Where does the other 50% of my funding come from?

You are responsible for obtaining 50% of the training award ($35,000 per year) from your host instsitution. This means, the centre where you will be completing your training. Speak to your proposed supervisor/mentor and/or your Centre Leader for more information.

I recently received a faculty appointment and wish to apply for a Career Development award. What is the cut-off time for eligibility?

You must be within 2 years of receiving your faculty appointment. There are no exceptions or extensions to these dates!