Research

Residents are encouraged to participate in clinical research during their three-year residency.  The residents are expected to complete IRB and Conflict of Interest training upon entry into the program.  This is completed by registration at www.miami.edu/citireg.  Annual Conflict of Interest disclosure is also required to participate in research at Saint Louis University.  Opportunities for studies include drug company-sponsored studies within the department, which are coordinated by the clinical study coordinator, Rhonda Lebbing and the clinical research fellow.  Investigator-initiated studies are also encouraged.  Statistics assistance is provided by the AHEAD institute. Dr. Paula Buchanan, Director for AHEAD Consulting & Training Services, has developed a series of asynchronous, online training modules focused on best research practices for housestaff (residents and fellows) to complete prior to working with the analytic team. A form, found in APPENDIX JJ is required to request Statistical Support. In addition, the GME office offers grants to financially support AHEAD institute services for resident research. Residents that anticipate needing AHEAD institute services for their scholarly activity are expected to apply for this grant. APPENDIX JJ

In addition, the GME office has a program that can provide seed support on a competitive basis for research projects and experiences to enhance research training for residents. Each academic year residents will be eligible to apply for seed research funding. Awarding of these funds requires an application, review, approval, post-award presentation and research report. A committee will review the application and determine if funding and support will be provided for this experience. Applications must be received at least two months before the expected project starts. APPENDIX JJ

An IRB approved end-of-the-year academic project is required of all second year residents.  Third year residents are required to complete a quality improvement or patient safety project. First year residents will pair up with a second year and a third year resident to collaborate on their academic projects. This will allow the first year residents to become familiar with the processes necessary to successfully complete a project. The second and third year residents will present the academic project that he/she has been working on during the year with a faculty member (the faculty member serves as the Primary Investigator).  The resident’s project is proposed and discussed at the September Research Committee meeting and the second year projects must be submitted to the IRB by October 1st of that academic year and is discussed during subsequent mentor meetings.  A timeline is in place to ensure adequate time for completion of this project.  Adherence to these guidelines is necessary in order to attend the Academy meeting.  (See Mentor Meeting Agenda Appendix K).  These projects are presented at the annual Research Symposium/Graduate Achievement Day in June.  The presentations should be approximately 10 minutes in length.  Residents are required to prepare their topic with the guidance of their faculty mentors or other faculty members and actively discuss the project with them during its development, initiation and completion.