title: Implementing a resident research program to overcome barriers to resident research.
abstract: Internal medicine residents are required to participate in scholarly activity, but conducting original research during residency is challenging. Following a poor Match at Baystate Medical Center, the authors implemented a resident research program to overcome known barriers to resident research. The multifaceted program addressed the following barriers: lack of interest, lack of time, insufficient technical support, and paucity of mentors. The program consisted of evidence-based medicine training to stimulate residents' interest in research and structural changes to support their conduct of research, including protected time for research during ambulatory blocks, a research assistant to help with tasks such as institutional review board applications and data entry, a research nurse to help with data collection, easily accessible biostatistical support, and a resident research director to provide mentorship. Following implementation in the fall of 2005, there was a steady rise in the number of resident presentations at national meetings, then in the number of resident publications. From 2001 to 2006, the department saw 3 resident publications. From 2006 to 2012, that number increased to 39 (P< .001). The department also saw more original research (29 publications) and resident first authors (12 publications) after program implementation. The percentage of residents accepted into fellowships rose from 33% before program implementation to 49% after (P = .04). This comprehensive resident research program, which focused on evidence-based medicine and was tailored to overcome specific barriers, led to a significant increase in the number of resident Medline publications and improved the reputation of the residency program.
authors.affiliation: Dr. Rothberg is vice chair for research, Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio. Ms. Kleppel is research coordinator, Internal Medicine Residency Program, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, Massachusetts. Ms. Friderici is biostatistician, Division of Academic Affairs, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, Massachusetts. Dr. Hinchey is chief academic officer, Division of Academic Affairs, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: Michael B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Rothberg
authors.forename: Reva
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kleppel
authors.forename: Jennifer L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Friderici
authors.forename: Kevin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hinchey
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000193:education* / Q000458:organization & administration; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D007388:Internal Medicine / Q000193:education*; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D008404:Massachusetts; D008611:Mentors; D016730:Program Development / Q000379:methods*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013997:Time Factors