4

Research Rotation - Department of Nephrology

Goals and Objectives

Methods:

Each fellow is required to participate in at least one research project and a CQI (Clinical Quality Improvement) project during the fellowship. The research project may be basic bench research or a clinical project. The trainee will have 4 months entirely devoted to research during the training program. There may also be concurrent time available for working on research projects during their OP dialysis rotations.

The fellow:

• works under the tutelage of a research mentor to explore a research problem, design and implement a study.

• Conducts literature searches

• Studies statistical methodology

• Prepare results for local and national meetings and for publication in peer reviewed journals.

Participate in a CQI project under the guidance of Dr. Schneider or any other attending physician where appropriate.

ACGME
Competencies / Specific Objectives / Clinical Projects / Basic Projects
Patient Care / ·  To learn the scholarly approach to clinical problems through research. / ·  Is skillful in acquiring data according to the defined research protocol.
·  Demonstrates respect for the patient and their privacy.
·  Uses sound judgment and appropriately seeks guidance from the supervising physician.
·  Prepares a written report of the progress and findings for the research record. / ·  Is skillful in acquiring data according to the defined research protocol.
·  Understands how basic projects relate to clinical problems (translational research).
·  Demonstrates respect for the care and use of animals for research purposes
·  Uses sound judgment and appropriately seeks guidance from the supervising physician.
·  Prepares a written report of the progress and findings for the research record.
Medical Knowledge
Medical Knowledge
(Cont’d) / ·  To learn essential aspects of experimental design including: formulation of hypothesis, statistical considerations of group numbers and methods the responsible use of informed consent and research methodology.
·  Data analysis including appropriate application of statistical tests.
·  Learn how to apply findings to hypotheses and draw appropriate conclusions.
·  Gain expertise in one research area of nephrology. / ·  Acquires adequate knowledge on the literature relevant to the project / ·  Has a satisfactory handle on the literature relevant to the research project
Practice-Based Learning and Improvement
Practice Based Learning and Improvement
Cont’d / ·  Carefully performs the protocol that is relevant to the project that may include patient exams, blood draws, injections, urinalysis, ultrasound, dialysis, or other research related with supervision as necessary and provides appropriate follow up for complications.
·  Records all procedures performed in the research record. / ·  Learns research methods (cell culture, chemical analyses, molecular biology techniques, etc.) required for the project and performs them carefully and according to instructions.
Interpersonal and Communication Skills / · To learn how to prepare oral and written presentations of research / ·  Establishes good relationships with patients, staff and all other members of the research team.
·  Specifically is attentive to any patient or staff questions regarding the research protocol, risks or outcome / ·  Establishes good relationships with mentors, collaborators and laboratory personnel.
·  Maintains accurate records of the research protocols and data.
Professionalism / · To learn the ethics of research / ·  Carefully reviews the protocol and risks with the patient when obtaining the consent.
·  Is accurate in acquisition of data.
·  Is compassionate, honest and accepts responsibility for errors. / ·  Is accurate and honest in data acquisition and reporting.
·  Accepts responsibilities for errors.
System-Based Practice / · To learn the research related procedures and policies implemented at Hines and LUMC / · Acquire adequate knowledge of the procedures and policies related to clinical research at Hines and Loyola. / · Acquire adequate knowledge of the procedures and policies
related to clinical research at Hines and Loyola.

Attending Supervision:

Each project is mentored by at least one faculty member. In some instance, more than one renal faculty or faculty from other disciplines may participate, but a single faculty member remains ultimately responsible for assuring the teaching objectives are met and that the research complies with the scientific and ethical standards appropriate to the project.

Evaluation:

The evaluation of the fellow’s progress is performed by the research mentor on the project. Further evaluation occurs in the review of the fellow’s work by presentations at renal grand round conferences and referees of scientific meetings and journals.