The Resident Outcome Project: Increased Academic Productivity Associated with a Formal Clinical Research Curriculum

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Clinical Research
• Quality Improvement

Background:

• A formal clinical research curriculum was implemented for residents.
• This program integrated system-based practice and practice-based learning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of a structured 2-year clinical research program on resident academic productivity.
• To evaluate the program's role in developing research skills for future independent work.

Main Methods:

• Residents completed a 2-year research project, including hypothesis development, study design, data collection, analysis, and presentation.
• Projects focused on quality improvement or clinical outcomes, with faculty mentorship and IRB approval.
• Monthly group research meetings and a structured timeline guided residents through the research process.

Main Results:

• Seventy-five residents completed the program, resulting in 33 meeting abstracts and 11 peer-reviewed publications.
• Three hospital-wide quality improvement initiatives stemmed from project findings.
• Post-2006, there was a significant increase in accepted resident abstracts (17% to 53%) and publications per year.

Conclusions:

• The formal resident clinical research program significantly increased academic productivity.
• The program equipped residents with skills for sustained independent clinical research beyond initial projects.