CREST Testimonials

What do CREST Scholar Alumni
have to say about the program?

“It is my pleasure and honor to have been a graduate of the program. CREST made a significant positive impact on my career trajectory, helping me to develop skills that better prepared me to conduct clinical research.”
— Valerie L. Baker, MD (2005 CREST Scholar) TeLinde-Wallach Professor of Gynecology and Obstetrics Director, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
“As a direct result of my participation in this program, I was able to continue participating in research during COVID such that I was able to reach promotions requirements despite a significant pause in most research at our institution.”
— Emily Evans-Hoeker, MD (2015 CREST Scholar) Section Chief, Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine
“As a direct result of my participation in this program, I was able to publish three peer reviewed manuscripts (including one original research), and able to present at two major conferences.  I credit my involvement with CREST in these career-promoting achievements and encourage early career physicians in my field to apply to the program.”
— Alexander Quaas, MD (2016 CREST Scholar) Director of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility University Hospital Basel, Switzerland
“As a CREST Scholar, I was selected for leadership positions within my professional societies including task force chair on the ASRM patient education committee and as a member of the SREI research committee. I also was able to achieve academic promotion/career advancement to be promoted to associate professor.”
— Jennifer Knudtson, MD (2010 CREST Scholar) Assistant Professor, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility University of Texas Health, San Antonio
“As a CREST Scholar I participated in clinical research through the NIH Reproductive Medicine Network/ConFIRM Consortium which allowed for networking and leading additional leadership positions within my professional societies including Oncofertility Consortium (chair sub-commottee Start-ups) and American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (board examiner and ABOG REI Qualifying Exam Subcommittee).”
— Julie M. Rios, MD (2017 CREST Scholar) Associate Professor & Division Director, Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Magee-Women’s Hospital of UPMC
“Before participating in the CREST program, I had a strong background in basic science research, but I wanted to transition to clinical research. I realized that developing a strong clinical research program required a separate set of skills and specific training, and was therefore honored and excited to be selected as a CREST scholar. The program has had tremendous impact on my productivity and opportunities, and I have developed mentoring relationships with leaders in the field including Nanette Santoro, Michael Diamond, Christos Coutifaris and Marcelle Cedars.”
— Karl R. Hansen, MD, PhD (2009 CREST Scholar) Professor and James A. Merrill Chair, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
“I credit my involvement with CREST in these career-promoting achievements and encourage early career physicians in my field to apply to the program. This is a truly unique and highly valuable program for our field. As the research requirements for fellowship continue to diminish, I believe the importance of the CREST program will become even more vital for REI to remain an innovative field conducting quality research.”
— Micah J. Hill, DO, FACOG (CREST Scholar 2015) Director, REI Fellowship, National Institute of Health Director, Assisted Reproductive Technologies, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Professor, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences President, Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
“I am extremely grateful for the insights and education that I received in the program. I think the most important aspect of the program that I have been able to retain and use through the years has been my ability to collaborate with my peers to do research as well as to be an advocate for women’s health.”
— Ruben Alvero, MD (2007 CREST Scholar) Professor and Director, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Stanford University
“Participation provided preparate and a tremendous boost to my career. The program was excellent at providing a solid background in research and discovery for practicing clinicians. As a direct result of my participation in this program, I obtained a strong knowledge of research methods and biostatistics. This enabled me to have a strong clinical research component as part of my career.”
— Thomas D. Kimble, MD (2011 CREST Scholar) Assistant Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology Associate Dean Eastern Virginia Medical School
“I am writing to attest to the unique career development I have gained from the CREST scholar program. I was accepted into the CREST scholar program in 2012, while I was in my second year of practice as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Though I had previously completed courses in research and statistics during my medical training, the Duke course I completed as a CREST scholar was by far the most valuable learning experience. I gained a deeper understanding of research principles through the online, self-paced modules and homework that was relevant to my clinical practice and research interests. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to conduct research as an academic clinician and for the professional relationships I have made thanks to the CREST program.”
— Wendy S. Vitek, MD (2013 CREST Scholar) Associate Professor, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology University of Rochester Medical Center