Scholarly Activity

Clinical Research Methodology Conference

Additional topics include diagnostic studies, prognostic studies, guideline development, economic analysis, decision analysis, and instrument development.

Journal Club

Our monthly journal club serves to illustrate the methodologies discussed in the accompanying clinical methodology conference. Critical appraisal of the publication follows established methodological guidelines, like PRISMA and CONSORT. The objectives of our integrated clinical methodology conference and journal club are to enhance our scholarly activities by closely matching the topics with specific resident projects with emphasis on practical execution issues like outcome definition, database design, statistical analysis, and manuscript writing.

Quality Improvement Committee

ACGME, as a core program requirement, mandates residents and faculty members to "consistently work in a well-coordinated manner with other healthcare professionals to achieve organization patient safety goals." These goals are determined annually by research staff, faculty, and residents. Most QI projects are expected to be implemented based on resident and/or faculty interests. However, the research staff always maintains at least one ongoing QI project for the department. Residents and faculty can work on research staff-driven projects at any time based on their availability. Research staff-driven QI projects address patient education, physician training, surgical outcomes, and/or Michigan Spine Surgery Improvement Collaborative (MSSIC) initiatives. Using the FADE (Focus, Analyze, Develop, and Execute) model, annual QI projects have been implemented which satisfy MSSIC clinical quality benchmarks and other regulatory requirements. These annual projects are further developed into academic publications. During the research rotation, residents are expected to make a significant contribution to an active QI project and attend the monthly MSSIC meeting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the objective of this clinical research program?

In addition to seeing our residents excel clinically and technically, we would like to nurture their intellectual curiosity and intuition. As our knowledge evolves at an unprecedented pace, it is imperative for a neurosurgeon to critically appraise scientific evidence to inform his or her practice.

Will I receive training for conducting clinical research?

Yes. You will learn to apply foundational research skills to regular clinical practices throughout your training. Our program promotes clinical education, scholarly activity, quality improvement, and independent study by each resident, with support from the research department.

When will my clinical research training start?

Unlike most neurosurgical residencies, your clinical research training starts on Day One. Clinical research is integrated throughout the whole residency, starting at PGY-1, with a 6-month protected research period during your PGY-4.

Publications

PubMed