Jack Fischman, M26: Advancing Clinical Research Through Tufts CTS Certificate

Jack Fischman, M26, a Tufts University School of Medicine MD student, took a leave of absence to pursue the Certificate in Clinical & Translational Science (CTS) at the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Over the 11-month program, he has gained hands-on experience taking a research project from start to finish, developing practical skills in study design, biostatistics, and translational science that are directly applicable to patient care.

Jack' project focuses on tracking the progression of aortic stenosis, a heart valve disease, with the goal of identifying early clinical endpoints that could inform future treatments. He chose the CTS Certificate because it allows students from diverse backgrounds and specialties to gain mentor-guided research experience, practical coursework, and the confidence to conduct independent, impactful research.

In this Q&A, Jack shares insights about his experience in the CTS program, how it has prepared him to become a clinician-investigator, and why taking a leave of absence to focus on translational research could be a game-changer for Tufts MD students.

Why did you choose to pursue this degree?

"I pursued the Certificate in Clinical & Translational Science to strengthen my ability to turn clinical questions into impactful research that improves patient care. The certificate provides structured, practical training in translational methods and interdisciplinary research, helping me grow as a clinician-investigator."

Why did you choose Tufts to pursue your degree?

"I chose Tufts for its strong mentorship culture and emphasis on clinical and translational research. The ability to pursue structured research training while working closely with mentors on a dedicated project made it the right environment for my development."

What is the focus of your research, and what questions are you trying to answer?

"My research focuses on improving how we track the progression of aortic stenosis, a type of heart valve disease. I’m studying which echocardiogram measurements are most useful for future clinical trials and which could help identify patients before the disease becomes symptomatic. I’m also exploring how measurement variability and patient characteristics affect these results, with the goal of informing trials and improving patient care."

How was your experience in the program?

"My experience has been excellent. The coursework aligns with the stages of our projects—from study design and analysis in the Fall to manuscript writing and implementation in the Spring. I’ve benefited from strong mentorship, access to helpful resources, and ample time to focus on my research while engaging with the community."

What is your favorite aspect about the program?

"The combination of strong mentorship and hands-on research. Having dedicated time to work on my project, access to expert guidance, and courses that build practical skills has made it an incredibly supportive environment for learning."

What is your proudest academic/professional accomplishment while at Tufts?

"I’m proud of the progress I’ve made on my project. This is the first time I’ve been deeply involved in taking a study from start to finish. My results are beginning to generate insights that could inform future clinical trials."

What do you wish to accomplish upon graduation?

"I hope to complete my manuscript and apply the skills I’ve gained to advance both research and patient care in my future career as a physician."

What do you want a prospective student to know about Tufts?

"Tufts offers an incredibly supportive environment for both learning and research. The combination of strong mentorship, hands-on research opportunities, and practical coursework makes it a great place to grow as a clinician-investigator while still engaging with the broader community."

Watch Jack Discuss His CTS Experience

In this interview, Jack shares why he chose the CTS Certificate, how his research is advancing the understanding of aortic stenosis, and what it’s like to balance coursework with focused, mentor-driven research.

Related Links:

CTS Overview
CTS Admissions
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