Policy on Resident Research
Overview
- Residents are provided an opportunity to participate in dedicated research after their PGY3 year.
- Residents usually spend 2 years (1 year for plastic surgery residents, and occasionally 3 years)
engaged in full time research. - The Department of Surgery Research Committee advises residents about selection of research
training programs, including didactic training, monitors residents’ progress, and tracks the
success of the training programs.
Selection of Training Program
Timeline
Timeframe | PGY Year | Activity | Description | Oversight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | PGY1 | Introduction to PD | Overview of Timeline / Expectations / Policies | APD of Professional Development (APD) Research Committee Co-Chairs (RCL) |
Fall | PGY1 | 1:1 meetings | Residents meet with research leadership to discuss initial scholarship interests | RCL APD Plastic and Vascular Surgery leadership |
Winter | PGY1 | Follow-up session | Expand on PD discussion and introduce institutional funding opportunities | RCL APD |
Ongoing | PGY1 | Exploration of scholarship interests | Residents meet regularly with faculty to explore research interests Residents get involved in small scholarship projects with the guidance and direction of Research Committee (RC) advisor and RCL | RCL |
May | PGY1 | Scholarship pathway and goals deadline | Residents submit one-page summary of academic / professional goals and intended scholarship pathway | RCL GS, PLAS and/or VASC Surgery leadership |
Ongoing | PGY2-PGY3 | Research involvement in early years | In collaboration with RC advisor and/or research mentor, residents prepare at least one clinical or research paper/abstract for submission each academic year | RC advisor Research mentor |
Summer | PGY2 | 1:1 meetings | Discuss PD plans including review of one-page summaries | RCL APD |
Fall | PGY2 | Presentation of preliminary scholarship plans | Residents meet individually with Research Committee to discuss developing plans | RCL |
December | PGY2 | Primary scholarship mentor deadline | Residents finalize primary scholarship mentor | RCL |
Winter | PGY2 | Research pods | Meet with RC to develop scholarship focus | RCL APD RC |
March | PGY2 | Preliminary proposal deadline | Submit two-page preliminary project proposal | RCL GS, PLAS and/or VASC Surgery leadership |
| Spring | PGY2 | PD workshops | Begin developing Biosketch, applications, grant proposal | APD |
April-June | PGY2 | Preparation for funding | Residents prepare grant and funding applications | Research mentor |
Summer | PGY3 | PD workshop | Grant writing | RCL APD |
Summer/Fall/Winter | PGY3 | Research funding applications | Residents apply for funding | Research mentor RC |
Fall | Scholarship Years | Check-ins | Meet individually with RC advisor to discuss research experience | RC advisor |
December | Scholarship Years | Applicant Interviews | Residents present research during Applicant Interviews | RCL Research mentor |
Spring | Scholarship Years | Research Day | Residents submit abstracts and present their work during annual Resident Research Symposium | Research mentor RC
|
Ongoing | PGY4-5/6 | Continued scholarship | Finish and publish ongoing work; continue activity in area of scholarship; plan incorporation of scholarship into career; meet with advisors as needed | RCL RC advisor Research mentor |
Responsibilities Of Research Mentors
Research mentors are expected to:
- Maintain an active research program that provides a supportive environment for training residents in research.
- Provide funding for the research program, which may include supporting the resident’s research activities and salary if extramural and departmental funds are unavailable for salary (see Policy of Resident Funding in Research).
- Discuss with the resident at the beginning of the training program the criteria for a successful research experience, including goals and expectations, requirements to present at local, national and international meetings, and publications.
- Devote adequate time to mentor and train the resident in research.
- Provide resources (e.g. technical support) to ensure that the resident is trained in the practical aspects of research.
- Assist the resident in applying for extramural funding.
Responsibilities Of Residency Advisors
Residency advisors are expected to:
- Provide guidance about relating research training to the resident’s long-term clinical careers. During PGY1-3 years, residency advisors will have primary responsibility in helping residents to explore research interests, getting them involved in small research projects, and providing resources and guidance in focusing research plans.
- Ensure that residents are successful in preparing at least one clinical or research paper/abstract manuscript for submission each academic year (starting with PGY2) leading up to their dedicated research time.
Responsibilities of Residents
Research residents are expected to:
- Commit to full time participation in the research training program.
- Discuss with their research mentor at the beginning of the training program their plans for outside clinical activities (e.g. moonlighting).
- Participate in other scholarly activities (e.g. projects with other laboratories) after discussion with their research mentor.
Monitoring the Progress of Residents
- In collaboration with Research Committee Co-Chairs, Research Committee advisors will ensure that PGY1-3 residents are developing focused research plans and have made sufficient efforts to apply for and obtain funding.
- All residents are required to submit abstracts for Residents’ Research Day every year.
Formal Evaluations
- The Research Committee will formally evaluate residents’ presentations at Research Planning Meetings.
- Research mentors are required to submit biannual performance reviews (in January and July each year) to the Education Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to apply for grants?
Yes, grant writing is an integral component of the training program. Grants should be written with guidance from the research mentor. The Department of Surgery Scientific Publications Office (Pamela Derish) provides guidance in scientific writing. The Department of Surgery Contracts and Grants Office provides guidance in the nuts-and-bolts of grant submission.
What happens if I don’t apply for grants?
You will not be allowed to participate in a research training program.
How many grants do I need to apply for?
Residents typically apply for multiple grants. Usually, the same application can be submitted to several agencies (although funding from only one agency is allowed – unless permitted by the funding agency (sometimes one grant will fund salary and another will fund research costs).
What happens if I am unsuccessful at obtaining grant funding?
You will be eligible to be considered for funding from the Department of Surgery or your research mentor.
Can I moonlight?
Yes, provided that this does not detract from your training program, which is your primary responsibility. Moonlighting must be discussed with your research advisor at the start of your training program.
What if I want to do something for which there is no grant funding available?
This is problematic and needs to be discussed on an individual basis.
What if I want to obtain an additional degree?
This is possible at UCSF and elsewhere, but you will usually have to fund this activity yourself.
Will the department fund research at a different institution?
No. See Policy on Lab Selection and Funding
What do I do if I have problems – if I have selected the wrong research program or advisor, or if my research is going nowhere?
First, immediately contact the Research Committee Co-Chairs. If so desired, these discussions will be kept in the strictest confidence. The Research Committee can intercede on your behalf and help you and your research mentor negotiate suitable outcomes. Under exceptional circumstances, the Research Committee can reassign you to an alternative training program.