The research track starts in PGY1 with the introduction of monthly didactics as well as mentorship from STEPP leadership; however, research track schedules first diverge from the general track in PGY2. In PGY2, research track residents are given two blocks of protected time to explore research with senior investigator mentors or to begin research with an already-selected mentor. This protected time continues into PGY3 and PGY4 with 50% longitudinal protected time scheduled to continue research projects. Monthly didactics continue throughout all four years of training and residents can use protected time to broaden their experience through practical workshops on biostatistics, grant writing, and manuscript writing as well as direct involvement in ongoing research projects under the guidance and mentorship of a senior investigator. Ongoing support and guidance from faculty leaders and scientific mentors provide a rich, supportive learning environment for residents as they progress through the program.

Research Rotations

Research track residents will receive comprehensive research training by participating in didactic coursework and other learning opportunities outside the laboratory. They will obtain knowledge in:

• ethics/ responsible conduct of research
• biostatistics and study design
• career development/ leadership
• communication of research findings
• scientific writing
• reading an interpreting neuroscience and psychiatric research
• individualized coursework specific to the field of study

Research track residents are encouraged to engage with STEPP leadership to help craft the curriculum to meet the educational needs of their particular research project and career goals.

Research track residents are encouraged to explore the UAB programs available through the CCTS and the Office of Postdoctoral Education to supplement and tailor their didactic experiences to their needs. The CCTS Professional Skills Development series targets numerous sessions on manuscript and abstract writing. The Office of Postdoctoral Education offers a grant writing course and introduces all aspects of grant writing, including selecting funding mechanisms, writing individual grant sections, and understanding administrative policies.

PGY1

PGY1 residents broaden their knowledge of current research projects and research-based initiatives within the department and learn how to integrate their research identity into a clinical identity to support the process of identifying a research interest and potential mentors.

Residents attend:

• monthly research track didactics
• the annual UAB Psychiatry Research Symposium
• the Comprehensive Neuroscience Center Retreat

Residents also meet with:

• potential research mentors
• the chief research track resident
• the research track director
• to explore research projects, begin planning their individual research track path, and for mentorship and guidance.

Residents can also work with the general track administrative staff to schedule their two PGY2 protected research blocks based on their progress in identifying a mentor and a research project.

PGY2

The focus of PGY2 is to establish a relationship an identified mentor and to begin get actively involved in a research project. Research track residents are provided institutional support for two month-long blocks of protected time. For residents who have clearly identified a mentor we encourage them to dedicate both months to begin establishing themselves in their mentor’s lab and start their research project. However, we also encourage residents to use this time to explore two different labs to verify their interest and test for fit. During each one-month block, residents regularly meet with their mentor and participate in lab meetings.

Research blocks can generally be scheduled together or separately and can be positioned in the first or second half of PGY2. During each block, research track residents continue to participate in one half day of general track didactics and the normal call pool and receive ~80-90% protected time for research.

PGY2 research track residents continue to attend monthly research track didactics, the annual UAB Psychiatry Research Symposium, and the CNC retreat. PGY2 residents receive additional one-on-one guidance and mentorship from the chief research track resident and the research track director.

PGY3 - PGY4

Residents are fully engaged in research project design and implementation while building a foundational knowledge of methodologies, statistical approaches, and data presentation. Residents attend research track didactics, present a poster at the annual UAB Psychiatry Research Symposium, and the CNC retreat, regularly meet with their mentor, and participate in lab meetings. Institutional support includes up to 50% longitudinal protected time for research-related activities and protected time for research track didactics. During PGY3 and PGY4 research track residents have the opportunity to serve as Chief Research Track Resident. During PGY4 residents are expected to submit manuscripts for publication or present their work at regional or national conferences.

Research Track Overview