Research

Each resident, in order to graduate, must complete either one major project or two minor projects. Major projects include original clinical or basic science research projects of publishable quality publishable.

At the University of Illinois, there is a major commitment to develop new ideas through research. The residents are required to initiate or participate in investigational work and may draw on abundant resources to this end. The Residency's Research Director works with the residents in developing and executing projects. The Director of the Office of Research Development works with the faculty to develop research skills, obtain resources, and provide funding to support research activities. The Research Resources Center at the University of Illinois and Mercy Hospital's Department of Research provide support for the development and implementation of research designs. There are two animal laboratories available for bench research. The Residency has a continuously renewed Research Fund which is utilized in the initiation of projects and has independent computer capability to allow for acquisition, storage, and collation of a multi-center database to facilitate interhospital projects.

 

June-July Orientation Week

Residents will be re-informed regarding the residency research requirement. PGY1 residents will be encouraged to develop an original research idea.

 

October Research Course, PGY1

PGY1 residents commit to original major or minor research ideas. If the resident has no clear research idea, a topic will be assigned by the Residency Research Committee.

 

May, PGY1

All PGY1 residents will be required to present their research project findings / abstract in front of the other residents and faculty. The best research project, as judged by the Residency Research Committee, will be awarded a $250 prize. There are also awards for 2nd and 3rd place.

 

June, PGY1

If the PGY1 resident has no data to present, or no concerted effort is made, 12 hour EM shifts will be continued into the second year of residency until the intern year requirement is met.

If the intern has made good progress on a promising project, they will be encouraged to continue this "major" project to completion. Eventual completion of this project will fulfill the resident's research requirement.

Up to 2 residents can team up on an individual project and both receive "major" credit if the study is on a larger scale (eg, multi-centered trial).

 

April, PGY3

PGY3 residents will present their finished projects to the entire residency. A cash award of $500 will be awarded for the best research project, as determined by the Residency Research Committee. By the end of May, all seniors will be required to turn in their written manuscripts to the Residency Research Committee.