Research

A strong foundation in research and the scientific method is a cornerstone of academic neurology. Every UF Neurology resident engages in research as part of their educational experience. Residents may spend up to several months of elective time working on research. In addition, a dedicated research track is available for those who plan a career significantly focused on basic or clinical research.

Longitudinal Research Project

Each resident is expected to complete and present at least one research project before graduation. Senior residents present their completed projects during either the Departmental Research Day or Grand Rounds prior to graduation.

Longitudinal research projects are broadly defined and can include:

  • Clinical research
  • Basic and translational science
  • Outcomes and health care utilization research
  • Medical education research

Projects are supervised by a faculty member chosen by the resident. Our faculty are always excited to assist residents with scholarly activity! An annual Research Blitz is presented in the fall, during which all departmental faculty members present resident-appropriate research projects to help residents identify potential areas of interest. Click here to review the 2023 Research Blitz slides. Residents are also encouraged to design their own studies. Departmental faculty support is available for residents to design projects, submit IRBs, and analyze data.

Other Scholarly Activity

Throughout the residency, residents are strongly encouraged to publish interesting patients as case reports or case series. Many faculty members also engage

residents in topical review articles or book chapters. These experiences are valuable, as they allow residents to carefully review a subject, learn how to evaluate the clinical literature, and enhance their writing skills under faculty guidance. Several divisions in the Department of Neurology also have organized group research projects that allow residents opportunities for joint scholarly activity.

Conference presentations. The department strongly encourages resident research presentations at national and regional conferences. Many residents submit abstracts to the American Academy of Neurology, the American Neurological Association, the Florida Society for Neuroscience, or national neurology subspecialty meetings. Funding is available for conference travel and include additional funds for first-author presentations.

There are also numerous opportunities for residents to present locally, such as the UF College of Medicine Research Day and the Stroke Division annual CME conference. PGY4 residents give a 1-hour lecture annually during the Neurology Department Grand Rounds on a topic of interest or a joint clinical-pathological case with the Department of Pathology.

Neurology Research Day. A Neurology Departmental Research Day is held annually each spring to highlight the research accomplishments of the departmental faculty, fellows, and residents. All PGY2 – PGY4 residents are expected to present either an oral platform or poster. Residents may choose to share an aspect of their longitudinal research project, a case report, or the equivalent. Prizes are awarded for the best clinical and basic science posters.

Quality improvement. All residents engage in an overall culture of patient safety. Residents perform monthly group case reviews and present opportunities for improvement to each other, under the direction of our departmental Physician Director of Quality, Dr. Amita Singh. Residents also select and conduct an annual group quality improvement project. It is expected that each project undergo at least one “Plan-Do-Study-Act” (PDSA) cycle per year. Quality improvement projects may be presented to the departmental faculty in the spring, as well as during the UF Patient Safety and Quality Week held annually each March. In addition, residents are strongly encouraged to become involved in departmental and UF quality improvement committees.