260
Statistics
If possible and available, statistical support is highly recommended to the research
infrastructure. Masters and PhD-level statisticians can provide expert knowledge
into the design of any research project. Utilizing their knowledge from the very
beginning provides the establishment of a concise data analysis plan, advice on
database setup and input, and help in the all-important analyses upon completion of
all data collection. Statisticians seem to have this uncanny ability to analyze com-
plete data sets in hours in comparison to “certain” research team members who may
take days longer to complete the same analysis. Along with the analysis, the statisti-
cians are also able to provide input for presentations and manuscripts.
Research Personnel
Dedicated research personnel can play a critical role in a successful research team
in producing scholarly activity. This person(s) can be a faculty member tasked as the
research director akin to a residency director or a medical student director. This
person(s) could also be a nurse or research coordinator with no other duties. The
main task of this researcher is to facilitate the design, execution, and completion of
research projects. The need for such a person in the research infrastructure is based
on the fact that all of the other team members have tasks and responsibilities that
will usually take priority over a research project (i.e., patient care, rotations, classes,
procedures, and tests). They are also needed because many aspects of the logistical
side of research must be conducted during business hours when most faculty, stu-
dents, and residents are otherwise occupied. They can help to assure that all ethics
and regulations are followed in accordance with federal, state, and local guidelines.
They can also provide input into study design and feasibility from a logistical and
institutional perspective. These researchers can provide guidance and oversight with
IRB interactions, and they can provide support with grant submission. They should
be the facilitators, rarely originators, of all things research related. Of all of the
recommendations and commentary in this chapter, the single biggest driver of qual-
ity research volume from medical students and residents has been the addition of
our research manager. Hiring the correct individual to quarterback the department’s
research will amplify and improve the current level of research at your institution.
Do’s and Don’ts
To have success with robust research output, we suggest a list of do’s and don’ts to
consider when involving resident and medical students in research and growing the
research infrastructure at an institution.
Don’ts
- Force anyone to work on a research topic who has no interest in it; if you do, you
all but guarantee that it will either not be finished or it will take much longer than
expected. - Overload residents with projects. Allow the residents to dictate how much they
are able to handle. Be cognizant of their hours worked and their need to have
somewhat of a work-life balance.
D.I. Dynda et al.