VCU Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Program objectives

The overall objectives of the training program are detailed below.

1. To develop and provide multidisciplinary didactic training programs which: (a) are tailored to meet the individual needs of fellows; (b) are comprehensive; and (c) have a high likelihood of producing well-qualified independent researchers.
2. To provide guidance and support to fellows with the goal of producing highly qualified, independent researchers who fully comply with ethical standards.
3. To stimulate interest and positive attitudes toward rehabilitation research in the area of neurobehavioral recovery and intervention.
4. To provide fellows with practical experience by involving them in ongoing, productive rehabilitation research programs staffed by outstanding scientists.
5. To enhance productivity by providing access to state-of-the-art evaluation, treatment, computer and telecommunications technology.
6. To help fellows master the skills necessary to develop and write scientific publications and successful grant applications.
7. To encourage and support research fellows’ productivity as indicated by presentations at conferences and publication of manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals.
8. To help fellows successfully find employment that includes rehabilitation research as a primary responsibility.

Advanced research training will help fellows develop skills necessary to become successful independent researchers.

Key research skill training areas

Literature review and synthesis

• Identify relevant research in the area of interest.
• Access the relevant literature using library tools.
• Summarize and synthesize research findings in the area.

Scientific reasoning and critical thinking

• Objectively evaluate existing research.
• Identify shortcomings.

Research design and methodology

• Develop hypotheses and research designs that address unresolved issues.
• Recognize the advantages, limitations, and shortcomings of research methods.
• Apply single subject and between group designs.
• Appreciate the primary qualities of psychometric tools for outcome assessment.
• Design and develop advanced outcome measurement tools.
• Understand and apply reliable qualitative and quantitative data collection methods.
• Implement quality control methods for data collection.
• Carry out scientific projects within proposed budget and time constraints.

Human subjects protection

• Identify, understand, and follow guidelines established by professional, scientific and other organizations relating to the ethical treatment of research participants.
• Recognize, identify and avoid conflicts of interest.
• Prepare documentation, including consent forms, for IRB review and approval.

Ethics and standards of practice

• Appreciate, understand and apply guidelines relating to the conduct of research.

Statistics

• Identify and implement appropriate procedures for analyzing data using parametric and nonparametric methods.
• Choose between statistical software packages in recognition of strengths and limitations.

Scientific writing

• Understand differences in formats required for manuscript publication and grant writing.
• Write manuscripts that have a high probability of publication.
• Write grants that have a high probability of funding.
• Prepare research reports in a variety of formats suitable for persons with varying abilities.

Clinical aspects of interdisciplinary rehabilitation

• Appreciate the needs of patients, family members and interdisciplinary professionals on a first-hand basis.
• Develop research projects that have great potential to benefit clinical practice.

Development and Implementation of a research career plan

• Identify knowledge, resources and accomplishments necessary for successful implementation of a research career plan.
• Develop a timeline and monitor progress in implementation.
• Complete proposed research activities on time and in a quality fashion.