1. Teaching Research to Radiology Residents: A Voluntary Curriculum in Research Design and Manuscript Preparation
SS01-05
Sean Dodson, MD, Jacob Eitel, MD, Monica Forbes-Amrhein, MD, PhD, Nicholas Koontz, MD, Bilal Tahir, MD, Darel Heitkamp, MD
Department of Radiology & Imaging Sciences,
Indiana University School of Medicine

2. Disclosures
None

3. Introduction
In 1997, the ABR placed increased emphasis on Radiologic Research1,2
Despite creation of the Holman pathway and research tracks within individual training programs, these goals are largely unmet
Just 20 DR residents have completed the Holman pathway since the inception3
While resident research needs continued emphasis, additional pathways are needed

4. Keys to Success Allow trainees time for research
Build flexibility into curriculum
Don’t force research onto the unwilling
Have the right perspective
Pretorius, et al. polled medical students regarding establishment of research track in DR residency4
Decide once in residency
Research in 4th year for 3-6 months
Interest greater in those who desire an academic career

5. Resident Perceptions National survey of residents by Lam, et al5
1.1 average hours of protected research time per week across US Radiology residencies
38.4% of residents interested in research
59.3% satisfied with the research opportunities available at their institutions

6. Background Great variation in research by residency program research
Costello, et al. laid out their experience6
16 residents per class with 2 allowed to participate in dedicated research curriculum
Given 6-9 months of research
2 week intro to research seminar
Departmental manuscript workshop
RSNA advanced course in grant writing
RSNA/AUR/ARS intro to research symposium

7. Our Experience
Research is an important part of residency education, but must be effectively balanced with the best possible clinical training
Academic and Research Track (ART) implemented in July 2012
Voluntary supplemental development program designed to teach motivated trainees how to conduct academic research
Must be in good academic and professional standing with the school of medicine

8. Our Experience
Oral presentation identifying faculty mentor and outlining research proposal
Reviewed by the ART faculty and resident committee
Once accepted, residents receive two research days per rotation

9. Our Experience Curriculum Monthly didactics
Navigating the IRB process
Utilization of statistical and research related software packages
Review of experimental design
Manuscript preparation
Manuscript review
Monthly or bi-monthly meetings devoted to reviewing progress

10. Our Experience
Quarterly project updates reviewed by the ART resident and faculty committee
Ensure participants are on successful path
Identify those who need intervention
ART faculty committee
Radiology researchers and imaging scientists
Attend the meetings
Function as research advisors

11. Purpose Many research programs exist throughout the country Goal
Few have evaluated the actual success of these programs
Goal
Evaluate productivity of Residents participating in the Academic and Research Track at Indiana University from July 2012 – June 2015

12. Hypothesis
There is a significant difference in academic productivity between residents in ART and those not in ART

13. Methods
July 2012, ART participation offered to all IU Diagnostic Radiology residents
Productivity of participating residents was tracked over three consecutive years ( ) and compared to non-participant residents in the same program
Publication in a peer-reviewed journal or oral presentation at a national conference were used as metrics of academic production
Student’s t-test was performed

14. Results Residents Residents published or presented
Publications and Presentations
ART Members 13 46
Non-ART Members 62 32 81

15. Results ART Non-ART Mean 3.5 1.3 t Stat 3.3 P (T <= t) two-tail
0.002
t Critical two-tail
2.2

16. Discussion ART members highly productive academically
100% (n = 13) have presented at national meeting or published in peer-reviewed journal
Compared to 51.6% of non-ART residents (n = 32)
2.7x more academically productive per capita
3.5 academic outputs per ART member versus 1.3 outputs per non-ART member
Gained valuable experience with research design, data collection, manuscript preparation, & manuscript review

17. Conclusion
Academic productivity of residents participating in a dedicated academic & research track is significantly greater than non-participants
ART members may be better equipped to pursue careers in academic medicine

18. Questions? Sean Dodson, MD Nick Koontz, MD Darel Heitkamp, MD
Nick Koontz, MD
Darel Heitkamp, MD

19. References
Baker C. Making Imaging Research a Part of Radiology Resident Training. Acad Radiol 2013; 20:
Wallner PE, et al. The American Board of Radiology Holman Research Pathway: 10-Year Retrospective Review of the Program and Participant Performance. Int J Radiation 2013; 85(1):29-34
Holman Research Pathway Graduates. Available at accessed 3/14/16
Pretorius ES, Solomon JA, Stribling C. Medical Student Attitudes toward Inclusion of a Research Year within Diagnostic Radiology Residency: A Survey of Students Participating in the 2002 NRMP Match. Acad Radiol 2003; 10(1):77-82
Lam CZ, et al. Radiology Resident Satisfaction With Their Training and Education in the United States: Effect of Program Directors, Teaching Faculty, and Other Factors on Program Success. AJR 2016; 206:1-10
Costello JR, et al. Establishing a New Radiology Residency Research Track. Acad Radiol 2013; 20(2):