Electives

Elective Coordinator: T. Eric Spiegel, MD

Research mentors: Departmental, Divisional, and/or Institutional Mentors

Number of Fellows per Rotation: up to five

Minimum Length of Rotation: 6 months

Year of Rotation: Second year (first year by exceptional arrangement)

Details of the elective plan are communicated to Dr. Spiegel at least 2 weeks before the start of the second year. Goals and Objectives for each elective are finalized by the fellow, elective supervisors, and training director.

Goal

The overall goal of the second-year research or clinical elective is to allow a fellow to work with a mentor and become involved in research or a new clinical domain in a variety of possible ways.

Explore recent electives completed by our fellows »

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 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

Electives will vary significantly by the trainee, mentor, and research focus. It is expected that the fellow 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.