Introduction
A written proposal for what is to be accomplished during this elective must be generated prior to starting, such that the Fellow will gain the experience of designing an experiment. During the elective, the Fellow will learn and practice the scientific method and rigorous scientific technique while carrying out their project/experiment. Techniques learned may include laboratory skills (molecular and genetic studies, animal experiments, chemical/biochemical experiments, etc.) or clinical research skills (clinical trial methodology, epidemiology, biostatistics, etc.). Ideally, the Fellow’s work will result in authorship on manuscript(s) or abstract(s). Fellows will learn about the informed consent process and develop an understanding of HIPAA’s impact upon clinical research. In accordance with NIH Clinical Research standards, any Fellows participating in clinical research will be required to participate in Human Subjects Protection training (obtaining a Certificate of Completion for Web Based Course on Protection of Human Research Subjects).
Goals
- Learn how to contribute to the understanding of the pathophysiology of neurologic disease and/or the development of novel treatments.
- Build a broad and deep knowledge base in a research topic relevant to the pathophysiology of neurologic disease and/or the development of novel treatments.
- Present scientific data, ideally via submission of one abstract or manuscript during training.
- Identify ways to improve scientific practice.
- The fellows recognize that he/she is part of a research team.
- The fellows will develop knowledge of regulatory guidelines in basic, translational and clinical research.
- Research requires absolute compliance with regulatory guidelines such as HIPAA for patient-based research and animal safety regulations for basic science research. The fellows will learn how to complete projects within this regulatory environment.
- The fellows will demonstrate ongoing self-education and habits of life-long learning.
Objectives and Evaluation Matrix
| Research Rotation Objectives | |||||
| Upon completion of the curriculum, fellows will . . . | |||||
| # | Description | Milestones | |||
| 1 | Reliability and commitment to project completion | PC1, PC2, PC3, MK1, MK3 | |||
| 2 | Independence– Ability to use current knowledge to solve surmountable problems before asking for help– aptitude for “figuring things out” | PC1, PC2, PC3, MK1, MK3 | |||
| 3 | Communication– quality and accuracy of verbal and written communication | IC4, IC5 | |||
| 4 | Teamwork– Ability to work with others cooperatively and productively | IC4 | |||
| 5 | Research integrity, honesty, trustworthiness | IC1, IC2, IC3 | |||
| 6 | Data management (appreciation for details, keeping of records, accuracy) | PL1, PR2 IC5 | |||
| 7 | Data analysis and interpretation- Sophistication of analytic methods and conclusions drawn from analyses | PL1 | |||
| 8 | Research aptitude- ability to read and digest the literature, develop important questions and plans for testing hypotheses | PL1 | |||
Schedule
8-4, can work remotely from MFCB
Conferences
Attend per conference requirements.
Work Hours
Standard work hours
