Resident research, part-time.

Abstract

During residency training, research must be cost-effective in these times of constraint. Its value lies in helping the resident critically analyse each clinical problem and understand the basic physiopathologic processes, in adding new skills, in preparing the resident for an academic career, in improving abilities in writing and speaking, and in providing the satisfaction of accomplishment. The principal limitations on a full year in research are inadequate funds for support and the unwillingness of residents to take that much time out of their clinical training. Alternatives are for the resident to take 1 or 2 afternoons each week during clinical training to work on an ongoing project in an established laboratory or, preferably, to formulate an original project and carry it out under supervision in the departmental laboratory, or in the cystoscopic, operating or outpatient facilities. To do this requires an interested, available preceptor, a stimulating idea (preferably the resident's), a limited experimental design, regular time free from clinical duties, and enough funding and help. Opportunities exist in most programs but enthusiasm and direction is required to realize them. Since a declining number of physicians are applying to the National Institutes of Health, it is important that students and residents become stimulated to enter fields of research. But such stimulation requires support.