EXPERIENCE

Fellows are given extensive time for research during research rotations despite their rigorous clinical training at this time.  The research rotation will be protected time.  Fellows must declare one or more research interests, which they will have time to discover during their first year.  By second year, they are expected to establish a research focus, design a project, identify a mentor and initiate their research project.  These projects may include basic science or clinical research.  The main focus of this rotation is to develop research skills that can be applied within a highly academic setting, resulting in a quality publication at the end. The fellows are encouraged to actively participate in research activities and present their findings at a national meeting.

OPPORTUNITIES

Every fellow is expected to identify a mentor and project(s), and initiate meetings with potential mentors and others participating in their research. Fellows then meet regularly with their research mentor through the course of their study. Every fellow is also expected to complete at least one quality improvement project over the course of their fellowship.  If they choose, they may lead this project with a team including but not limited to medicine residents and students.  Their quality improvement project should be conceptualized by the end of first year.  Updates on this project will need to be provided during each semi-annual Program Director evaluation.

Fellows are also expected to submit research to one or more of the four main digestive diseases conferences each year.  As a first author, they will present this research at the conferences.  While attending these conferences, they will participate in other scheduled lectures, courses and conferences, and present this updated research during didactic sessions. Fellows may also choose to participate in other research activities including writing book chapters, manuscript reviews and invited research submissions