Resident Research Expectations
During the course of training in the residency program, each resident completes at least one research project. The results of the project must be available in publishable form at the completion of the chief year. It is not necessary, however, for the paper to have been accepted for publication by PGY-5.
Residents choose their individual research topic, which can be either clinical or basic science in nature. Residents who have a strong interest in a particular research area are encouraged to pursue their interest. The department is supportive of efforts to obtain extramural funding for resident research projects. Over the years, residents in our program have received funding from the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation and the Orthopaedic Trauma Association.
Presentation by Residents at Orthopaedic Meetings
When a resident has a poster or podium presentation accepted at a national meeting, the resident is sponsored by the department to attend that meeting based on two considerations. First, in order to attend meetings, residents must score at least 30% on their OITE. Second, the same presentation can be given at a maximum of two different meetings.
Documentation of Research Activities
A Resident Research Evaluation form is maintained for documenting the accomplishment of the specific research goals for each of the five years of resident education. PGY-1 residents complete a checklist to document the activities that are completed during their one-month research rotation. Any activities that are not completed during the PGY-1 research rotation are completed during the PGY-3 research rotations. PGY-3 residents complete weekly time sheets to document their research efforts during each week of their research rotation.
Documentation of Abstracts, Manuscripts, Grants, and Book Chapters
Each year, the department is required to provide a report of their research-related activities to the Dean of the Medical School. Therefore, a list of all submitted abstracts, manuscripts, grants, and book chapters prepared by residents is maintained by the department to facilitate the preparation of the annual research summary.
Institutional Review Board (IRB), Animal Care and Use, and HIPAA Regulations
To ensure compliance with the medical school and government rules governing research, it is imperative that residents understand and follow all research-related guidelines. Before working on clinical research projects, residents obtain CITI certification by completing an online course. Similarly, residents working with animal models receive certification through another online course (ALAS). Information regarding the computer links to these websites is available from Martha Holden. HIPAA regulations are followed for every clinical research protocol within the department.
Anytime a resident is asked to prepare a research proposal or to obtain patient follow-up, they first present their research question to the Research Advisory Panel in order to ensure that all regulations and guidelines have been addressed before initiation of work on the project. Because the medical school routinely audits clinical and basic science research, it is crucial that the Research Advisory Panel is aware of all research projects within the department. Martha Holden maintains the record of all IRB approved protocols and Eileen Martin maintains the record of all animal studies.