Research
The ability to complete and present original research is important for several reasons. First, working one's way through the process—from formulation of an hypothesis to preparing a research plan to making final revisions to a manuscript—gives one a true feel for the complexity of clinical investigation and an appreciation for the work done by others. Second, personal engagement in the research endeavor will provide a stronger basis for critically assessment of the literature. And, finally, demonstrated proficiency and productivity in scholarly activities will allow a resident to stand apart from the crowd when applying for fellowships.
Our residency is unique in that it has resources available at few other programs. With the support of our hospital and residency administration, we have two physicians, Dr Charles Francis: Director of Cardiac Research and Dr Michael Carson: Director of Research/Outcomes whose priorities are to work with the residents and department members in order to develop original research projects. Numerous other members of the faculty are actively engaged in clinical investigation and have proven to be excellent mentors.
Drs. Carson and Francis offer experience and knowledge to guide residents through the processes of developing and focusing a research question, design of the protocol and data collection tool, and completion of the application to the Institutional Review Board (the committee that oversees all research at our institution). Additionally, Dr. Carson is able to assist in preliminary data analysis. Finally, and just as important, YenHong Kuo MS is a full time Biostatistician on staff at JSUMC available for consultation regarding the specifics of study design and data analysis. This level of research staffing is something available only at University programs dedicated to facilitating resident research and academic projects.
Drs. Carson, Francis, and Mr. Kuo also supervise and attend the department's journal club utilizing an internationally accepted evidence based medicine format.
