Research Activities

Mandatory research studies provide each resident with the opportunity to gain an understanding of how to review the medical literature, and become familiar with the basic principles of research, including how research is conducted, evaluated, explained to patients and applied to patient care. Additionally, the curriculum advances residents' knowledge of basic research statistics and encourages the advancement of medical knowledge.

Activities

Residents have access to research assistance from study coordinators, medical librarians, data collectors, and statisticians. Each resident chooses a faculty research mentor and project. The study design may be prospective or retrospective. All residents are given instruction in study methodology and assistance in obtaining Internal Review Board approval. Residents' present their project at their annual Resident Research Day, and are encouraged to submit their research for publication and presentation at state, regional, and national society meetings.

Requirements

All residents are required to perform at least two research projects (one during PGY2 and one during PGY4) but many exceed this with multiple regional and national presentations and publications.

ACGME Requirements

Common Program Requirements

1. The curriculum must advance residents' knowledge of the basic principles of research, including how research is conducted, evaluated, explained to patients, and applied to patient care.
2. Residents should participate in scholarly activity.
3. The sponsoring institution and program should allocate adequate educational resources to facilitate resident involvement in scholarly activities.