Research Opportunities
Our residency program has access to abundant research facilities and motivated faculty, allowing residents to get involved with a variety of research opportunities. Whether the focus is basic science, translational research, or clinical research, residents are provided with multiple opportunities to pursue their own research projects throughout their time in our program.
Education and Mentorship Heading link
Each summer, we have a Summer Research Series, which are weekly lectures that cover a wide range of high-yield research topics. Lectures include topics such as how to find a mentor, how to develop a research question, how to submit an IRB, and how present and write your research. The program has a robust “Research Manual” for residents interested in pursuing research projects.
The Department hosts a quarterly “Ideas on Tap Research Mixer” with food and drink. The mixer gives residents an opportunity to present their research poster in front of faculty and their peers, and is a great opportunity to expand one’s network and discuss research interests.
Education and Mentorship Heading link
Every few months, the research department hosts a “Works-In-Progress” night intended for residents to share their research and troubleshoot different issues they may be having. We have also implemented a “research buddy” system so residents can have biannual check-ins with either the research chief, StARR fellows, or associate program director of research to help ensure residents receive adequate support. PGY2+ residents who are involved in research can also get dedicated research time during their ambulatory Y-block to do research as well.
Patient Safety Quality Improvement Projects Heading link
All residents complete a Patient Safety Quality Improvement (PSQI) project. Each Y-block firm is tasked with creating and implementing a longitudinal PSQI project to understand the fundamental principles of quality improvement and patient safety. Over the course of their PGY2 and PGY3 years, residents will develop a project idea, engage appropriate stakeholders about implementation, and analyze findings. Ultimately, all resident teams present their findings at the UIC Quality Improvement Fair in the form of a poster presentation.
Recently Implemented Projects:
- “Potential Impact of USPS Mail Delivery Delays on Colorectal Cancer Screening Programs”. Godwin PO, Zhu HZ, Recht B. Fed Pract. 2024 May;41(Suppl 2):1-3. doi: 10.12788/fp.0474. Epub 2024 May 15. PMID: 38813252
- “Promoting lung cancer screening of high-risk patients by primary care providers.” Cancer. 2023 Jul 14. doi: 10.1002/cncr.34955 PMID: 37449669
- “Improving Sodium-Glucose Cotransport-2 Inhibitor Utilization for Veterans Admitted with Acute Decompensated Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Single-Center Experience.”
- *** This project was presented at the 2023 American College of Cardiology Cardiovascular Summit in Washington D.C and was awarded first place!
Protected Research Time Heading link
Residents receive protected research time during their PGY-2 and PGY-3 years if they are actively involved or interested in doing research. Anyone interested in research can either use our research registry (aka the Project and Investigative Research—PAIR—database) that overviews all projects occurring at UIC to get involved in a project or can meet with the research chief or faculty to start their own projects. Whether residents want to join an existing project or start one of their own, we help at every step of the way to ensure all residents feel supported!
We encourage residents to access the Project And Investigative Research (PAIR) database of current research projects from each DOM division. Examples of projects include: creating a new order set to ensure appropriate lung cancer screening is performed in clinics, investigating patient outcomes associated with long pauses during CPR, and using the appropriate use criteria to help prevent unnecessary cardiac echocardiograms are order while patients are inpatient. Basic science projects are also readily available in our extensive College of Medicine Research Building.
Department Support to Present Research Heading link
Our program is heavily committed to giving residents the opportunity to present their data or case presentations at professional society meetings of their choosing. The program provides funding for residents to present their UIC research at national meetings.
Residents have presented at a variety of national meetings, including the American College of Physicians (ACP), American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), Digestive Disease Week (DDW), American College of Cardiology (ACC), American Heart Association (AHA), American Thoracic Society (ATS), CHEST, American Society of Hematology (ASH), and many more! We maintain a strong presence at the annual ACP Northern Illinois chapter meeting, where every resident is encouraged to submit a poster representing their scholarly work. This experience promotes resident engagement with faculty and fellows, and it helps to familiarize residents with conducting research. We also have an annual Scholarly Activities Day, where residents can present their work on campus.
Recent Presentations and Achievements
Dr. Eiman Eimileik received an American College of Physician’s Outstanding Resident Award.
Dr. Michael Gianarakis won 3 Outstanding Poster Awards and a Presidential Poster Award at the American College of Gastroenterology annual conference.
Dr. Kashif Osmani won an Outstanding Poster Award at the American College of Gastroenterology annual conference.
Dr. Rochelle Fayngor received a American Society of Hepatology Abstract Achievement Award.