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Improving physician research training: understanding the student perspective

Jacqueline Knapke (Center for Clinical and Translational Science and Training, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA)
Erin N. Haynes (Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA)
Lisa M. Vaughn (Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA)

Studies in Graduate and Postdoctoral Education

ISSN: 2398-4686

Article publication date: 9 March 2020

Issue publication date: 17 July 2020

87

Abstract

Purpose

Using a mixed-methods approach, this study evaluated a Master of Science program in Clinical and Translational Research (MSCTR) geared toward training physicians in research methodology. The purpose of this study is to allow trainees to articulate their expectations, needs and experiences in the MSCTR and to develop novel training methods and/or curriculum modifications to improve physician-scholar training.

Design/methodology/approach

The mixed-method study design with qualitative emphasis included interviews, participant journal entries and a survey. Interview and journal entry data were analyzed using a modified seven-stage hermeneutic analysis and survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Findings

Findings suggest three major areas for improvement, namely, curriculum, mentorship/relationships and instructional methods. Concluding recommendations to address these three areas include: make ongoing curriculum updates to provide a sequential pathway but also allow for flexibility, improve statistical training, invest in online courses and create a more structured mentorship program.

Originality/value

Extant research, though minimal, has evaluated clinical research training programs in terms of alumni productivity. However, this is the first study of its kind to examine a clinical research training program primarily qualitatively and from the perspective of its students and alumni.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

Ethics/IRB: This study was reviewed and approved by the University of Cincinnati Institutional Review Board, IRB protocol # 2013-7614.

Funding: This research was supported by an Institutional Clinical and Translational Science Award, NIH/NCATS 5UL1TR001425-04. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH.

Citation

Knapke, J., Haynes, E.N. and Vaughn, L.M. (2020), "Improving physician research training: understanding the student perspective", Studies in Graduate and Postdoctoral Education, Vol. 11 No. 2, pp. 145-162. https://doi.org/10.1108/SGPE-03-2019-0036

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited

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