17. A CURRICULUM TO SUPPORT SCHOLARSHIP PRODUCTIVITY IN A PEDIATRIC RESIDENCY PROGRAM

Abstract

Background Resident scholarly activity is desirable component of a pediatric training program. Frequently cited challenges include mentorship and time. To address these issues the training program at Cohen Children's Medical Center designed a three year process to promote resident scholarly activity through enhanced mentorship and protected time. Objective The objective of this longitudinal curriculum was to increase resident involvement in scholarly activity. Methods In 2013 the pediatric program launched a longitudinal curriculum to promote resident scholarly productivity. The program included the following major curricular elements: (1) A two week research/quality improvement rotation in the PGY1 year. This rotation included individual meetings with senior faculty, completion of 6 on-line research modules, SPSS statistical training, completion of the CITI Course, instruction on the formulation of a research question and the creation of an individual scholarly activity timeline. This was followed by (2) Semiannual Scholarly Oversight Committee Meetings, (3) 1-2 dedicated research blocks for individual residents and an opportunity to present at an Annual Pediatric Resident Research Day. Funding for residents to present at national meetings was made available. Results Scholarly activity, as defined by the number of resident presentations at a national meetings, has increased substantially from 2013-2017. When the curriculum was introduced 7 out of 100 residents had either a poster or platform presentation accepted to a national meeting. This number increased steadily year over year and has reached 40 presentations in 2017. Conclusion A longitudinal curriculum focused on scholarly achievement was successful in increasing resident scholarly output. This curriculum can be easily emulated at other programs to increase resident scholarly productivity.