Number of Fellows per Rotation: 1

Length of Rotation: 2 blocks of 5.2 weeks

Year of Rotation: First-year

Goal

The overall goal of the elective rotation is to allow a fellow to work with a mentor and become involved in research or a new clinical domain in various ways.

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Objectives

To develop competence in the following areas:

Patient Care
  • The fellow is expected to reflect on the patient care implications of the research conducted during this elective
  • Gaining an increased appreciation for the ongoing incorporation of research findings into clinical care
Medical Knowledge
  • It is expected that knowledge gained during this elective is presented at the departmental graduation rounds and possibly at the annual AACAP meeting
Practice-Based Learning
  • Literature reviewing skills
  • Identification of research question(s)
  • Learning about research methodology as applicable to the project
Professionalism
  • If human subjects are involved, the fellow will undergo institutional IRB training
    and demonstrate a commitment to ethical principles in research in particular as they apply to research with minor subjects (if applicable to the nature of the elective)
Systems-Based Practice
  • Joining a research team
  • Assembling a team of advisors which may include scientists at other institutions
  • Obtaining funding for a project or becoming familiar with funding processes
  • Obtaining IRB approval for a project or becoming familiar with the IRB approval process
  • The understanding of the peer review process for grants and manuscripts
  • Familiarization with the research community
Interpersonal/Communication Skills
  • Basics of scientific language (how a research question is paused)
  • Familiarity with the writing of scientific results
  • Presentation of the scientific project

Measurement of Objectives

  • Feedback from mentor
  • Research products if applicable

Description of Rotation

It is expected that fellows will gain basic competence in research foundations (appreciating the background of a research question, the pausing of a research question, and the methods used to address the question) or will gain particular clinical competence not taught elsewhere systematically.