Considerable planning and commitment is required to bring the research to fruition during the otherwise busy period of residency. Generally, a research track resident will have some prior research experience and will decide, in collaboration with his or her faculty mentor, early in residency the line of clinical or bench neuroscience research he or she wishes to pursue. An additional graduate degree (e.g. MS, MPH, PhD) is a not a requirement for entry into the RCRP. The research mentor(s) will guide and monitor the progress of all research track residents during their residency. The minimum goals for residents in the RCRP are:
PGY2
- Research project identified
- Mentor identified
- Research project designed
- Attends RCRP educational activities
- Starts RSAP and/or attends CTS bootcamp'
- Gives one Evidence-based Medicine (EBM) lecture
- Presentation at Annual Resident's Research Day
PGY3
- Regular meetings with research mentor
- Abstract submission and/or presentation at national/international meeting
- Poster presentation at national meeting (e.g. MN, ANA)
- Presentation at Annual Residents' Research Day
- IRB submission
- Attends RCRP educational activities
- Continues RSAP, attends CTS bootcamp if not possible during PGY2
- Gives one Evidence-based Medicine (EBM) lecture
PGY4
- Regular meetings with research mentor
- Publication in peer-reviewed journal
- Mentorship/teaching of junior residents interested in research
- Presentation at Annual Resident's Research Day
- Assists with and prepares RCRP educational activities
- Finishes RSAP
- Gives one Evidence-based Medicine (EBM) lecture
The RCRP residents will become conversant in research techniques and should consider applying for a career development grant, such as NIH K08 award, by the end of their residency. In case the resident requires extra time to complete the grant submission, the program will attempt to provide a post residency fellowship in the resident's chosen area of research. Success in getting a career development award, productivity during residency, and future research potential will be the main criteria for appointing a research resident to the neurology faculty at the University of Miami after completion of the residency training.
The RCRP residents will also be encouraged to participate in the University of Miami Office of Research Education and Training Opportunities, and for those interested in developing advanced research skills, a masters' degree program in Clinical and Translational Science will be available.