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LO11: STAR-EM: An innovative summer research program for medical students in an urban Canadian academic emergency department

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 May 2020

S. Friedman
Affiliation:
University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
D. Porplycia
Affiliation:
University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
J. Lexchin
Affiliation:
University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
K. Hayman
Affiliation:
University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
S. Masood
Affiliation:
University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
E. O'Connor
Affiliation:
University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
E. Xie
Affiliation:
University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
J. Bryan
Affiliation:
University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
T. Smith-Gorvie
Affiliation:
University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
D. Lim
Affiliation:
University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
J. Leung
Affiliation:
University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
H. Sheikh
Affiliation:
University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON

Abstract

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Innovation Concept: Research training programs for students, especially in emergency medicine (EM), may be difficult to initiate due to lack of protected time, resources, and mentors (Chang Y, Ramnanan CJ. Academic Medicine 2015). We developed a ten-week summer program for medical students aimed at cultivating research skills through mentorship, clinical enrichment, and immersion in EM research culture through shadowing and project support. Methods: Five second year Ontario medical students were recruited to participate in the Summer Training and Research in Emergency Medicine (STAR-EM) program at University Health Network, Toronto, from June - Aug, 2019. Program design followed review of existing summer research programs and literature regarding challenges to EM research (McRae, Perry, Brehaut et al. CJEM 2018). The program had broad emergency physician (EP) engagement, with five EP research project mentors, and over ten EPs delivering academic sessions. Curriculum development was collaborative and iterative. All projects were approved by the hospital Research Ethics Board (REB). Curriculum, Tool or Material: Each weekly academic morning comprised small group teaching (topics including research methodology, manuscript preparation, health equity, quality improvement, and wellness), followed by EP-led group progress review of each student's project. Each student spent one half day per week in the emergency department (ED), shadowing an EP and identifying patients for recruitment for ongoing mentor-initiated ED research projects. Remaining time was spent on independent student project work. Presentation to faculty and program evaluation occurred in week 10. Scholarly output included one abstract submitted for publication per student. Program evaluation by students reflected a uniform impression that course material and mentorship were each excellent (100%, n = 5). Interest in pursuing academic EM as a career was identified by all students. Faculty researchers rated the program as very effective (80%, n = 4) or somewhat effective (20%, n = 1) in terms of enhancing productivity and scholarly output. Conclusion: The STAR-EM program provides a transferable model for other academic departments seeking to foster the development of future clinician investigators and enhance ED research culture. Program challenges included delays in REB approval for student projects and engaging recalcitrant staff to participate in research.

Type
Oral Presentations
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians 2020