Biomedical research provides the foundation for understanding the diseases we care for and for the development of the therapeutics that we prescribe. Biomedical research encompasses clinical and basic research ranging from database analysis to complex genomic sequencing. The research track is for individuals interested in research as part of their career path. Opportunities afforded include electives in research with exposure and involvement in numerous and varied research projects. Residents will have the opportunity to work towards a Ph.D. degree during residency if desired. The expectation is that residents involved in this track will go on into subspecialty or academic fellowship training after completing pediatric residency training.
In addition to the opportunities provided in the research track, residents may enroll in the American Board of Pediatrics’ Integrated Research Pathway, or IRP. The IRP has several objectives including to attract committed young physician-scientists to pediatrics; to provide mechanisms to sustain research interest, skills, knowledge, and productivity during core pediatric training; to offer a means for fostering transition to a physician-scientist career; and to ensure that trainees accomplish the requisite training and acquire the skills to function as competent pediatricians in the independent care of children. Residents in this pathway can devote 11 months to research as part of the 36 months of training in pediatrics. Visit the American Board of Pediatrics website for more information.