Our faculty has a well-established track record of scholarly work, with several faculty having published more than 100 peer reviewed articles and are well recognized leaders within larger societies and research collaboratives. As such, fellows will be provided with ample opportunity to fulfill the ACGME requirements.

Fellows’ scholarly projects may include clinical, translational, or basic science research or other endeavors that fulfill the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) criteria for scholarly activity. These projects must involve hypothesis-driven inquiry or substantive scholarly exploration requiring critical thinking and analysis. Fellows will have a total of 52 weeks dedicated to scholarly activity, which will be divided into 16 weeks during year one, 16 weeks during year two, and 20 weeks during year 3.

Research Course Work

Scholarly activity begins in the first year, with fellows allocated 16 weeks of research time, which is used to introduce fellows to foundational areas of scholarly work, including Health Systems, Quality Improvement, Advocacy, and Medical Education, as well as allowing time for fellows to explore potential projects, finalize a topic, identify a mentor, and submit the project for IRB review and approval. In the second year, fellows are allotted another 16 weeks of protected research time, during which they are expected to complete the data collection. In the third year, fellows are expected to complete data analysis and review, present findings at regional or national meetings, and submit a manuscript for publication.

Cardiology research in lab with glass chamber and 3 researchers working on project

During all research blocks, the fellows’ only clinical commitment is their weekly continuity clinic session, in order to maximize focus on their scholarly work.

Early in the fellowship, fellows meet with the program director to discuss their academic interests and identify potential projects and mentors. Once a mentor is identified that mentor will work closely with the Fellow to ensure their project progresses appropriately. Research progress is reviewed during semiannual meetings with the program director.

Formal instruction in research methodology is provided through the Fellows College and the two-week UC Davis course “Introduction to Clinical Research”, which offers 31 hours of instruction including: research questions, literature synthesis, study design, data collection, sample size planning, analysis, and publication; Fellows will participate in the research course in Fall of their first year; this timing will help give them foundational skills early in the fellowship to plan their scholarly project.

The Scholarly Oversight Committees (SOC) provides ongoing oversight of the Fellows’ scholarly projects throughout the fellowship. The SOC ensures fellows’ projects are feasible and meet ABP requirements, and offers guidance on methodology, timelines, and mentorship. SOC meetings are scheduled regularly to help fellows refine their work, troubleshoot challenges, and stay on track to complete a meaningful scholarly product.

This structured approach ensures that fellows have a solid foundation in research and are well- supported throughout their scholarly journey, culminating in projects that advance knowledge and contribute to understanding within the field of pediatric cardiology