Resident Pathways to Research

The Resident Pathways to Research (RPTR) is targeted at psychiatry residents who have (or would like to explore the possibility of developing) a career interest in mental health research. The RPTR provides a graded, step-wise introduction to research. This approach demystifies the process and helps the resident to develop a core skills and a sense of mastery and excitement about research.
 

Several key themes underlie the RPTR, based on our decades of research and mentoring experience:

• Research development is not a one-size-fits-all approach to residency training.

• All residents need to become savvy consumers of research literature.

• There needs to be opportunity for more in-depth scholarly opportunities on an individual basis for residents motivated toward scholarly work.

• For those with a trajectory toward a research career, more extended time and mentoring is required.

• Successful research development requires mentoring, and being mentored, around a specific project in which the resident takes a leadership role, and which will result in one or more scholarly products.

• The RPTR is a pathway within the residency and not a separate “track.” That is, research excellence is built upon solid clinical skills and is not a separate career alternative.

RPTR Structure:
 

PGY-II

• All residents participate in the Research Methods and Journal Club course. The goal of this seminar is to ensure that residents are critical and efficient readers of the mental health scientific literature, and to provide exposure to the breadth of methodologies and areas in mental health research.
   
• Each resident completes a self-assessment and interest survey, and meets individually with one or more members of the RPTR Steering Committee.
   
• Residents interested in entering the formal RPTR are assisted in matching with a faculty mentor who will work with them over the PGY-III and PGY-IV years on a specific research project of mutual interest.
   
• Residents match with mentors who typically are VABHS faculty with psychiatric or other relevant expertise and active research involvement ranging from non-funded pilot studies to leadership positions in internationally-recognized research centers of excellence.

PGY-III

• During PGY-III year a half-day per week is devoted to developing a project for implementation in the PGY-IV year, completing research training and credentialing (e.g., human subjects, data protection, and Good Clinical Practice training), and participating in a seminar led by the RPTR Coordinator.
   
• It is expected that by the end of PGY-III the resident will have:
  • An approved protocol ready to implement in the PGY-IV year
  • A background research article and/or presentation reflecting the basis for her/his research project.
  • Some residents may at this point be ready to develop an application for fellowship funding for the PGY-IV or subsequent years.

PGY-IV

Residents are expected to spend at least 50% of their time implementing the project developed in the PGY-III year.

• It is expected that by the end of PGY-IV will have:
  • A data-based research report ready for presentation and a manuscript in preparation
  • Those residents wishing to pursue a career with a major focus on research will develop an application for fellowship or career development award funding for subsequent years.

RPTR Faculty Steering Committee:

Martha Shenton, Ph.D., RPTR Coordinator
Mark S. Bauer, M.D.
Jerry Fleming, M.S.
Lynn DeLisi, M.D.
Chandlee C. Dickey, M.D.