title: Finding the target: getting started with quality of care and health services research.
abstract: Choosing a research project and career goal requires planning. This article provides advice for the junior investigator on choosing a career path in health services research or quality improvement, developing and focusing project ideas, and assessing the merit of these choices. By providing specific strategies and examples, the authors highlight the importance of conceptual vision, an inquisitive perspective, and scientific rigor in both project and career development.
authors.affiliation: San Francisco VA Medical Center, Division of Geriatrics, University of California at San Francisco, USA.
authors.forename: Michael A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Steinman
authors.forename: C Seth
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Landefeld
mesh_terms: D001290:Attitude; D002321:Career Choice; D003657:Decision Making; D006040:Goals; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D008611:Mentors; D009042:Motivation; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012108:Research Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D017749:Total Quality Management