The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) requires that internal medicine residents demonstrate an acceptable scholarly activity prior to the completion of their training. To address this requirement, our residency program requires that all residents complete an activity that results in a presentation, poster or publication. To support residents in this effort, the program has developed a robust curriculum that includes lectures, hands-on learning, case studies and asynchronous learning.
 
The best way to satisfy this requirement is by conducting an independent research project designed to test a hypothesis by collection and analysis of data, leading to results from which conclusions can be drawn. This includes the development of a research proposal along with data gathering under the guidance of a faculty mentor, followed by the presentation and/or publication of the results in an appropriate forum. Residents who have their projects accepted at national conferences can request funding for travel, registration and lodging.
 
Our protected academic half-day includes a scholarly activity lecture series designed to educate residents on topic selection, literature review, data analysis, scientific writing and more. In addition, third-year residents receive a dedicated rotation block to finalize their project.
We recommend the following timeline for completing the scholarly activity:
 
PGY-1 Year: Begin gathering ideas for a research project. Complete and submit the research proposal to the faculty mentor.
 
PGY-2 Year: Upon research proposal approval, start data gathering and analysis.
 
PGY-3 Year: Finish data analysis and write up the findings. Submit the project for review and evaluation. Submit manuscript or abstract, as appropriate.
 
Overall, the primary aim of our scholarly activity requirement is to advance the residents’ knowledge of the basic principles of research along with its application to patient care. We are confident that this project will impart the skills relevant to evidence-based medicine and promote an intellectual curiosity essential for the next generation of physicians.