Getting started in a research degree Dr Joanna Kidd

Why do a research degree? You have a burning clinical question that you want to answer Your patients need you to be an evidence-based clinician, and for you that means contributing new knowledge to the field Doing research is incorporated into some job descriptions To gain skills that you can’t learn solely ‘on the job’ To change your career pathway/ improve your prospects To challenge yourself To keep your brain stimulated Because it’s there!

What’s involved? Design, conduct, and complete, an original research project, and write it up as a thesis. Supervised by university academic(s) who whose job is to advise you about each stage of your project. No classes to attend No exams or assignments Meet regularly with your supervisor(s) It is your responsibility to keep the project progressing Deadlines include the final completion date, agreed dates for annual reviews and presentations etc.

Types of research degree Masters by research: Produce a supervised thesis. Completion time: 1-2 years (full-time) Suitable for: Clinicians without prerequisites in research methods Clinicians who want to ‘start out small’ or who have limited time Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): Produce a large supervised thesis. Completion time: 3 years (full-time) Clinicians with research experience and prerequisite research skills Clinicians who have time to pursue a larger research agenda Clinicians who have completed part of a Masters by research and are eligible to transfer to PhD.

Getting started: developing an idea Develop an idea of what you want to do a project on. Your idea does not need to be polished (yet). Ideas can come from: A clinical observation/question you want to pursue A paper you found interesting/controversial Something that is lacking/requires improvement in your health service Something your team is interested in You need to be passionate about it!

Getting started: developing an idea Do some reading. Look at some key papers and new literature in the area of interest Get a feel for new ideas/controversies/culture shifts Get to know the key authors in the area Look at abstracts from recent key conferences in the area. What is the current thinking? What techniques are being used?

Getting started: finding a supervisor Look for university academic(s) who could supervise you How many supervisors? Varies between institutions—check the guidelines Typically a primary supervisor and at least one co-supervisor Potential for including an industry expert (e.g., a senior clinician) Where do I start looking? Local authors of the studies you have read Search websites of local and interstate universities (an interstate supervisor can be workable, but it is advisable to also have local supervisors who can oversee day-to-day issues with the project) Ask around among your colleagues regarding university connections

Getting started: finding a supervisor (cont…) Who? Target someone who: Has expertise around the area you want to research Has experience in research and student supervision (look at their staff profile to find out) Has the skills/knowledge needed Suits your availability/is like-minded/has a complementary work ethic/suits your learning style. These aspects of your supervisor, rather than the prestige of the institution, is the most important consideration.

Getting started: Meeting a potential supervisor Send an email/phone to arrange a meeting. Tell them about: your clinical and research interests the reading you have been doing why you think they would be a suitable supervisor for you Ask them about: their current research interests their current research students their current research funding and collaborations See if you meet each other’s needs

Getting started: Next steps Once you have locked in a supervisor: Make an arrangement with your employer Can parts of the project be done in work hours? Alter work hours? Can you invite patients from your workplace to be part of the study? Enrol as a student: Some universities have ‘enrolment periods’ (times of year during which you can enrol). Check with your university for details. If you need to wait for an enrolment period, start reading/writing while you wait. Part time/full time?

Getting started: Next steps (cont…) Once you have locked in a supervisor: Narrow down research questions and design studies Create a time-line for completion Apply for ethics clearance Look for research funding/scholarships Get started and keep to your timeline

Getting started: Next steps (cont…) Plan to develop skills: Know how to find & manage research evidence Library workshops: CIAP & Endnote workshops Know how to critically appraise literature Systematic review/meta-analysis workshop Know how to analyse and present data Qualitative and quantitative analysis workshops; Data visualisation workshop Present your proposal and findings as much as you can Know how to write Writing workshops Learn to understand the research of others (essential!!!) Go to LOTS of research seminars

Words of encouragement It won’t be easy but you will learn a great deal If you stick to your timeline, the end will always be in sight Your research will enrich your clinical practice. Your patients and colleagues want you to succeed Your contribution to research is recognised and appreciated by SWSLHD