We offer PhD research training for clinicians. Our clinician PhD students tackle important questions in cancer, immune disorders and infectious diseases.

Around 25 medically trained students work within our research teams. After graduation many of our clinician PhD students take on senior clinical roles at tertiary hospitals in Australia or internationally, or become clinician-scientists at leading research organisations.

Benefits we offer clinician PhD students

• Work on important translational research questions, with internationally recognised clinician scientists and researchers at the forefront of their fields
• Access to our purpose-built Clinical Translation Centre, enabling the translation of science into clinical medicine
• Local and international research collaborations with hospitals, universities and pharmaceutical companies
• Clinician journal clubs and career development seminars 
• Laboratory skills training
• Clinical translation staff to assist and advise with Human Research Ethics Committee approval support, tissue sample collection and processing, and peer support programs.
• Flexible study options in order to maintain clinical appointments

Find out more about our PhD program

How to apply

1. Investigate our student research projects, or contact a laboratory head about a disease or research field that interests you. Our Clinical Translation Centre can also assist you in locating a suitable laboratory, organising a tour or answering your queries.
2. Email education@wehi.edu.au regarding your interest in applying to study, and to discuss your funding opportunities
3. Apply for admission to our PhD program to The University of Melbourne or an agreed alternate university

Find out more

You can find out more about studying with us at events such as:

• the Australian Medical Association Victoria Medical Careers Expo (anticipated for early 2019)
• the Victorian Clinical Science Symposium (anticipated for mid-2018)
• our Student Open Days (September 2018)
• our Clinician PhD Opportunities Forum. The most recent forum was held on Wednesday 2 May 2018; the next is anticipated to be held in 2020)

Prospective students can also contact our Clinical Translation Centre to organise a tour.

Scholarships

Our clinician PhD students are supported by scholarships from external bodies, including:

• National Health and Medical Research Council
• The Leukaemia Foundation of Australia
• Cancer Council Victoria
• Kidney Health Australia

The Institute also offers PhD scholarships or philanthropic funding for selected students. Please check scholarship closing dates as these vary throughout the year.

Our Grants Manager, Julie Mercer, can discuss potential funding sources for your PhD study – email grants@wehi.edu.au

Contacts

Clinical Translation Centre: Ms Jenni Harris, ctc@wehi.edu.au

Student and academic administration: Ms Sue Hardy, education@wehi.edu.au