UF College of Medicine offers innovative way for medical residents to learn about the basics of research

The University of Florida College of Medicine has developed an innovative CD-ROM program designed to teach residents and fellows the fundamentals of how to conduct scientific research. The program is being made available nationwide.

Ann Harwood-Nuss, M.D., associate dean for educational affairs at UF, led the development of the user-friendly research curriculum module. The program, which cost $20,000 to develop, serves as a cost-effective way to help fulfill the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education’s requirement that residency programs include scholarly activity and research. It also provides an institutionally sponsored research curriculum and helps to avoid duplication of expenses, effort and faculty time.

Currently being used by residents on the college’s Jacksonville campus, the program provides them with the basic tools and knowledge they need to pursue research, and offers College of Medicine departments a core course they can easily incorporate into their curriculum.

The CD-ROM program also could benefit residents and fellows from other health-related professions that involve research training.

Designed to be used individually or in a group setting, the CD-ROM features six 45-minute segments: Scientific Research – Getting Started, Protocol Development and Research Design, Scientific Writing and Presentation Skills, Evaluating Research Literature, Basic Biostatistics and Information Literacy. Course participants can view lectures on the computer, and print presentations and support materials. A test is given at the conclusion of each segment.

Harwood-Nuss said she hopes that by introducing residents to research in a friendly way, the CD-ROM will stimulate an ongoing interest in scientific exploration. She also said the program offers participants flexibility in completing the course work: Instead of having to be in a lecture at a specific time, they have a portable program they can work on at their convenience. Harwood-Nuss said initial feedback indicates that participants have really enjoyed using the program as a self-directed module.

The course content was developed by UF faculty members David Seaberg, M.D., associate chairman and an associate professor of emergency medicine; Robert Wears, M.D., M.S., a professor of emergency medicine; and Susan McCullough, M.L.S., a former UF Health Science Center Jacksonville education information services librarian.

McCullough is now with Baptist Health in Jacksonville. White Hawk Pictures of Jacksonville produced the CDs.

The CD-ROM program costs $25 per set. For more information, contact Bob Goodholm at 904-244-4750.