Dermatology residency research policies and support: A national USA survey

Abstract

Background: Dermatology residency programs are considerably varied in regard to their resident research requirements and resources. The authors examined the availability of 12 key resident research-related criteria in 30 ACGME dermatology residency programs in the United States. Objective: To assess the degree to which dermatology residency programs require and support their new physician graduates in scholarly research. Methods: This cross-sectional study employed a 12-item survey administered online that was informed and created by literature search, expert feedback, and a thorough review and revision process. The primary purpose of the study was to examine the differences in programs’ policies and structure around resident research. Results: Thirty out of 114 PDs (26%) responded to the survey. We found that while most programs had publication and QI project requirements for residents, the majority did not have required research rotations, research electives, or a formal mentorship program. Thus, in spite of a growing need for new physician–scientists coupled with the various benefits associated with conducting research during residency training, considerable hurdles dissuade new physician graduates from pursuing careers in clinical research. Conclusions: Our survey findings supply timely, objective data on dermatology resident research requirements across the country. Medical schools, residency programs, and the ACGME/ AMA may all find our results valuable in further enhancing, evolving, and systematizing dermatology residency policies and provisions.

Dermatology residency research policies: A 2021 national survey

“…In accordance with previously published methods ( Anand et al, 2021 ), we administered a cross-sectional survey with a categorical, study-specific, online questionnaire. A team of subject experts, including practicing dermatologists, dermatology residency program directors, and medical students, developed the survey.…”

“…Our present survey is a follow-up study to our initial 2018 cross-sectional study of 12 key resident research-related criteria in 30 ACGME dermatology residency programs in the United States ( Anand et al, 2021 ). We built on our original findings by resurveying a larger number of ACGME programs (n = 138) in early 2021, a substantial increase from the 114 programs surveyed in 2018.…”

Dermatologia e pesquisa científica: análise das publicações em hospital de ensino no sul do Brasil

“…A pesquisa científica e a prática médica demandam atributos que se sobrepõem, tornando a formação profissional, tanto na graduação quanto na residência, uma valiosa oportunidade para o desenvolvimento de habilidades médico--científicas 18 . Dessa maneira, o envolvimento com atividades de pesquisa tem o potencial de fomentar o raciocínio clínico, a busca por evidências, a avaliação crítica na tomada de decisões e, consequentemente, a assistência médica 19 .…”

“…Ainda que o objetivo primário dos programas de residência seja a formação prática, Seaburg et al 18 advogam que as atividades de pesquisa não prejudicam o desenvolvimento clínico dos especializandos, contribuindo, inclusive, para o aprimoramento de habilidades como disciplina, pensamento crítico, organização e trabalho em equipe, componentes essenciais tanto para a pesquisa quanto para a prática clínica. Ademais, a publicação e apresentação de estudos científicos pode beneficiar a reputação dos programas de residência, ampliando seu reconhecimento junto à comunidade médica 19 .…”

“…A despeito dos benefícios da pesquisa científica, a atuação de dermatologistas e residentes nessas atividades pode implicar em dificuldades e obstáculos proeminentes. Dentre as principais dificuldades, destacam-se a elevada demanda assistencial, a escassez de recursos financei-ros de órgãos de fomento e a carência de tempo reservado para pesquisa 19,21 . A falta de disponibilidade para atividades acadêmicas também pode representar um estímulo ao burnout profissional, como reportado em inquérito com docentes de Dermatologia 22 .…”