A roadmap of resident-led initiatives to promote research within the radiology department

How to Succeed in Radiology Research: A Collaboration of the CARJ and the CAR Resident & Fellow Section

“…Experts have expressed concern that radiology is not keeping up with the academic research demands of the field, and that there are an insufficient number of radiologists trained and actively partaking in academic radiology. 3,4 An emphasis on the importance of research during residency can address this. Residents who are exposed to research throughout their training are 26.4 times more likely to pursue careers in academic radiology.…”

“…Residents who are exposed to research throughout their training are 26.4 times more likely to pursue careers in academic radiology. 3 Contrastingly, radiologists who leave academia cite challenges in conducting research among their reasons for leaving the job. 4 In addition to benefitting the department, resident research experience has been shown to benefit residents in the form of opportunities to travel for conferences, engagement with subspecialty societies, and competitiveness for fellowship applications.…”

“…Residents cite that opportunities for mentorship and the existence of a strong research curriculum are necessities for their success in research. 3,6 A formal research curriculum in radiology residency programs is therefore essential for both faculty and resident success, and yet in a 2018 survey of Canadian radiology residents, 40% denied having received formal research training, with the lack of training being a major barrier to research for 22% of respondents and inadequate mentorship being a major barrier for 32%. 6 Among those respondents who did have a formal research curriculum in residency, many expressed a desire for it to be more detailed, organized, and cohesive.…”

“…6 Among those respondents who did have a formal research curriculum in residency, many expressed a desire for it to be more detailed, organized, and cohesive. 3,6 As research curricula can be limited by the resources available locally, a national approach has been suggested in the United States. 4 In reimagining a research curriculum to include formal mentorship, an organized lecture series, and protected time for residents, one institution reported a statistically significant increase in the number of total publications, first author publications, and senior publications for those residents who completed the research curriculum compared with those who did not.…”

“…Through this program, we seek to help residents identify mentors within their institution and in the broader Canadian radiology community. In addition to tips for success in academic radiology such as data collection and analysis, disseminating research, and the transition from trainee to staff, we hope to provide discussion on topics commonly cited as areas of need for residents completing research, such as statistical analysis, 3 and evolving areas within radiology like artificial intelligence to promote critical thought about new developments in the specialty. 5 The CARJ and CAR RFS hope this program will appeal widely to residents and fellows looking to supplement their research education and learn from leaders in academic radiology.…”