Clinician-Scientist Research Education and Training in Otolaryngology - PROJECT SUMMARY The primary goal of the Research Education Program in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (OtoHNS) at the University of Washington (UW) is to provide every resident in our department with knowledge, skills, and inspiration to establish an independent and sustainable research program in an academic setting as a Clinician-Scientist. We also offer research training and education to medical students to encourage them to pursue academic careers in Otolaryngology. The long-term goal of our program is to increase the research contributions of Otolaryngologists and to hasten development of better treatment options for patients with disorders impacting communication. Our research training program has had outstanding outcomes under support of a NIDCD T32 Grant for 40 years. For example, 64% of the resident Participants in the past 15 years are in full-time academic positions. To continue these efforts, we request support for five Postdoctoral (resident) Participants and one Predoctoral (medical student) Participant. The OtoHNS Department contributes funds for this training and also offers 1-2 years of Post-Residency Fellowship to one resident in our Program to continue mentored research training, prepare a K Award application, and gain additional clinical training. We are dedicated to training diverse Participants. We evaluate Program outcomes using input from Participants, Preceptors, and an Advisory Board, and we use feedback to build best practices and meet the changing needs of Participants. We propose two major aims: mentored research training (Aim 1) and structured research education (Aim 2). For Aim 1, every resident receives intensive research training with an experienced, well- resourced Preceptor for 80% of their working hours during a one-year or two-year period, starting in the third year of residency. Before this, residents select a Preceptor, either amongst the 23 Preceptors we describe or another Preceptor who fits our strict criteria. Together, they define a research project and a training plan. During the R25-funded year(s), Participants conduct research in their Preceptor’s group, learning the critical skills needed for research success. Concurrently, residents attend structured research educational sessions (Aim 2) with OtoHNS faculty and Program Alumni who impart key research skills and provide guidance for career development in academic Otolaryngology. Residents spend 20% of the R25 year(s) in clinical training. After the R25-supported time, residents continue research activities, facilitated by a department-supported research rotation with minimal clinical activities. Medical student Participants engage in the same mentored research and educational elements as residents for 9 months, working closely with them. Our Program prepares Participants at both levels for successful careers in academic medicine.
