Program Structure

PGY-1

  • Residents are expected to start developing the initial steps of their primary research project, meet with mentors and select a research mentor. They are expected to collect literature on their area of research.
  • During their clinical rotations in psychiatry, research track residents are given priority to rotate with attendings who have ongoing research projects.
  • First year research track residents are encouraged to meet with Dr. Pillai to discuss their areas of interest, training goals and identify prospective mentors.

PGY-2

  • 2 full months of protected time for research.
  • Residents are expected to work closely with their mentors and continue to develop their research projects.
  • Residents are encouraged to work on scholarly products, including poster presentations and peer-reviewed publications.
  • Dr. Pillai meets with PGY-2 research track residents once every two months to discuss the progress of their research activities and research track milestones.

Deliverables:

Research Project Proposal: The proposal with details on the research project to be conducted during PGY3 and PGY4 should be submitted to the Program Director by April 30. The proposal will be reviewed by the research committee for its scientific merit and training plan. The approval by the committee is required for the resident to continue into the PGY3/PGY4 research project phase (protected time) of the research track.

PGY-3

  • One day per week of protected time for research.
  • Under the guidance of their mentors, residents are expected to continue to be actively involved in scholarly activities, obtain institutional approvals for the research study and start working on a research project.
  • Dr. Pillai meets with PGY-3 research track residents once every two months to discuss the progress of their research activities and research track milestones.

Deliverables:

  • Institutional approval (AWC or IRB) of the research studies should be obtained before Dec 31.
  • Quarterly research progress reports submitted to Residency Administrators (due dates: Sept. 30, Dec. 31, March 31 and June 30).
  • One manuscript (review or original research) as first author submitted for publication.
  • One abstract accepted to present research data (poster or oral) at a national scientific meeting.
  • Travel or Young Investigator award application submitted to national scientific society.

PGY-4

  • Up to 6 months of protected time for research.
  • This is a period to strongly invest on scholarly production and to conclude the research activities started during previous years.
  • Dr. Pillai meets with PGY-4 research track residents and their mentors once every two months to discuss the progress of their K-award application and research publications.

Deliverables:

  • Quarterly research progress reports submitted to Residency Administrators (due dates: Sept. 30, Dec. 31, March 31 and June 30).
  • One research data manuscript as first author submitted for publication.
  • One abstract accepted to present research data (poster or oral) at a national scientific meeting.
  • Travel or Young Investigator award application submitted to national scientific society.
  • Submission of Specific Aims page and Research Plan for at least one research grant application for NIH K-series career development award (due April 30).

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