Scholarly Activities

Introduction to research

The first month of research in the first year is spent on introductory online courses in the conduct of good clinical research, the protection of human research subjects, and statistical methodology are completed. Finding appropriate mentors, planning and initiating research projects, and writing case reports are often performed during this time. 

Structured training in scholarly activity

Fellow’s research projects typically fall into one of the three following themes:

• Clinical/translational/basic research
• Quality improvement
• Medical education

Mentorship is provided to identify institutional resources, training courses and associated national conference meetings so that each trainee receives the necessary resources to meet their career goals.

The remaining 11 months of research time in the first three years are spent executing the project, presenting the results at a national meeting, and writing/publishing the manuscript. Many opportunities exist to perform more than one project if the fellow chooses. In addition, those interested in a career in research have the opportunity to take graduate coursework, and write/obtain grant support for future studies.

• Grant funding in clinical research from the NIH, the Pediatric Heart Network, the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association, the American Society of Echocardiography, American Academy of Pediatrics, Mend a Heart Foundation, Leducq Foundation Transatlantic Network for Cardiovascular Research and the Emerson Rose Heart Foundation

• NIH Loan Repayment Program, which rewards fellows who dedicate their careers to academics

• Finalists at Young Investigator Competitions at national scientific association meetings

• NIH/NHLBI Pediatric Heart Network writing committees

• More than 100 manuscripts

• More than 100 abstracts