Clinical, Translational Science, and Educational Resident Research Program

The Medical College of Wisconsin has a strong tradition of research among our residents. The Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology is invested in basic and clinical research efforts that improve the health of women and quality of care. Participating in research is an important component of the resident’s experience. Acquiring investigational skills is necessary, as it provides training in the ability to interpret reports and studies on new treatment modalities. Beyond that, research is necessary to provide improved patient care and is a natural component of the academic mission of an educational department.

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology recognizes the unique opportunity that is present during resident training. Residents are encouraged to choose a project that will both interest them during residency and prepare them for a career in academic medicine.

Our department has a wide variety of research interests, and faculty members are eager to train residents. Past residents have completed projects across a variety of focuses, such as clinical retrospective studies, experimental laboratory research, and prospective education and quality improvement projects. Residents have the ability to work with many different divisions within Ob/Gyn, including gynecologic oncology, maternal fetal medicine, reproductive endocrinology, general obstetrics, urogynecology and minimally invasive surgery. Many have also collaborated with faculty in other departments and investigators at affiliate institutions.

Resident Research Activity

The purpose of research in an obstetrics and gynecology residency program is to educate residents on how to conduct high quality research and its importance to the advancement of clinical practice and science. During the research process, residents will learn how to critically analyze data, utilize statistical results to interpret findings and test hypotheses, and improve scientific writing skills. Residents will learn how to critically review the literature, and learn how to develop an appropriate statistical approach as they design, conduct and complete a research study. Manuscript writing skills will be developed and enhanced under the guidance of faculty and research mentors. The development of these skills during residency in an integral component of their professional training, regardless of whether the resident pursues an academic medical career after residency.

The goals of our Obstetrics and Gynecology Resident Research Program are for residents to:

  • Develop critical thinking skills
  • Understand and engage in the research process
  • Contribute to the greater understanding of the why and how in medicine
  • Formulate a research topic and design a study
  • Relate results of research to quality care
  • Present the ongoing progress and results of the study as a presentation and a manuscript

Timeline

During the R1 year, residents will establish a mentor and research project. Residents are encouraged to “research” faculty member interests and relevant clinical expertise to determine the mentor whose interests align best.

An established resident research committee will meet with each new resident to help them decide on a project. Residents are encouraged to join and make contributions to ongoing projects.. Residents meet with their mentor at regular intervals during the next two years. In addition, residents present their research proposal and progress at scheduled intervals to garner feedback and to ensure compliance with their timeline.

Residents are expected to give a presentation of their research at the end of their third year at the Annual Resident Research Day held each June. A manuscript is also submitted to the Research Committee at the same time. Many residents have published their manuscripts and presented at National meetings.

R1/Intern Year

February – Establish faculty mentor and research topic
March – Evidence based literature review presentation
June – Consult with statistics on study design and sample size
July – Write manuscript introduction

R2 Year

August – Peer review presentation of methods
November – IRB completed
December – Write manuscript methods section
January – Begin data collection and research activities

R3 Year

October – Progress presentation to committee
October – Data collection completed, submit final data to statistics
March – Write manuscript results and discussion
May – Finalize manuscript and research day presentation
June – Submit for publication and present research at Resident Research Day

Research Awards

Presentations at each Annual Resident Research Day are scored by selected judges in attendance. Residents with the highest overall scores will be awarded the following:

  • 1st place Kleiger Research Award – $1,000
  • 2nd place – $500
  • 3rd place – $250