Resident and Fellows Research Course
The Resident & Fellows Research Course is designed to teach residents and fellows the fundamentals of developing and conducting a research study. The course consists of a combination of didactic lectures and small group workshops. The course is held in Block 5 of each academic year.
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Overview
Throughout the 4-week course, residents will take an idea for a research project and develop a proposal. There will be ample time set aside for independent work to ensure that residents make progress on their project.
Resident Research Course Requirements and Expectations 2025
Resident Intake Form - Due October 1, 2025
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Topics covered will include:
- Defining a research question or project aim
- Choosing the appropriate study design
- Searching the medical literature
- Defining hypotheses, objectives and outcome measures
- Refining methods
- Analyzing data – an introduction to biostatistics
- Research Ethics
- Overview of the application process for scientific and ethical review
- Quality improvement project design and analysis
- Systematic Review/Meta-Analysis
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Textbook
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Reference Survey Methodology
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Other Research Methodology Links
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Quality Improvement and Qualitative References
Quality Improvement
- Institute for Healthcare Improvement: QI Essentials Toolkit
- Institute for Healthcare Improvement: How to Improve
- Revised Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence: SQUIRE 2.0
Qualitative
All participating residents in the Research Course are required to present a poster at Research Day. Senior General Pediatric residents and subspecialty residents are also invited to present posters or to enter the abstract competition for the opportunity to give an oral presentation. Prizes are given for the peer-reviewed top scoring poster in each session.
November 13, 2025 from 8:45am to 4:15pm in the ACH Conference Centre
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Serena Orr
Title: TBA
Poster Requirements
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Department of Pediatrics Resident Research Course Grant
The Department of Pediatrics Resident Research Course supports residents and subspecialty residents in the Department of Pediatrics to receive small funding amounts (up to $1000) to cover small expenses associated with the completion of their research or QI academic projects. These funds are available to residents who do not have an alternative source of funding for their projects and whose projects are not funded by their supervisor. Residents with funding needs greater than $1000 should consider applying for alternative funding, such as an ACHRI Small Research Grant. Please note that travel expenses are not eligible for funding.
Applications should be submitted along with your final research proposal on November 14, 2025.
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Resident Education Scholars Program
The Resident Education Scholars Program (RESP) is a joint initiative between Postgraduate Medical Education and the Office of Health and Medical Education Scholarship, designed to support and advance Cumming School of Medicine resident interest and expertise in educational scholarship.
Research Support in the Department of Pediatrics is available in many forms to support the ongoing development of projects. This includes policies, procedures, approvals and connecting to other research support services. Feel free to check out the below links for help:
- Research Support Presentation
- Research Resources
- Dept of Pediatrics Consult Request Form
- Clinical and Administrative Data through ACHRI
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UofC Clinical Research Unit & AbSPORU
The Clinical Research Unit supports researchers with end-to-end research data services. Their mission is to simplify and demystify end-to-end research data processes.
They support you from collection to analysis to translation by:
- Maximizing the potential of electronic data capture tools
- Co-developing innovative custom platforms
- Offering sophisticated and specialized statistical and data services
Visit their website for further information: cru.ucalgary.ca
AbSPORU Application:
For any questions please contact Tracy Wang at tracy.wang1@ucalgary.ca
Schedule
DRAFT - 2025 Research Course Schedule
Each session will be recorded for those with excused absences. Please email achresearchcourse@ahs.ca if you need access to these recordings.
Lecture slides will be linked each morning if available.
October 20
Welcome/Orientation Session
Searching the Medical Literature - Caitlin McClurg
How to Define a Research Question - Adam Kirton
October 21
Study D&A: Types of Data - Grace Kwong
Study D&A: Overview of Design - Janet Aucoin
Peer Review - Serena Orr
October 22
Study D&A: Statistics Lecture - Gerry Giesbrecht
Quality Improvement Methodology - Jennifer Thull-Freedman
Lecture slides will be linked each morning if available.
October 27
QI Workshop - Jennifer Thull-Freedman
Study D&A: Observational Studies - Jessalyn Holodinsky & Khara Sauro
- Slides Part 1
- Slides Part 2
- Bogstrand Handout
- STROBE Checklist
October 28
Study D&A: Diagnostic Studies - Mary Dunbar
A Guide to Paper Writing - Jennifer Thull-Freedman
- Lecture Slides
- Stiell Writing Part 1
- Stiell Writing Part 2
- Lingard Infographic
- Lingard Joining a Conversation
- JANE journal selection resource
Qualitative Research Methods - Katie Chaput
October 29
Systematic Review/Meta-Analysis - Mohamed Eltorki
October 31
Research Grant Development & Budgeting: Where to start - Jenna Millar
Dept of Peds Research Resources with Ashton Chugh
Study D&A: Randomized Controlled Trials - Stephen Freedman
Lecture slides will be linked each morning if available.
November 3
Presenting Your Results - Adam Kirton
Creating Posters: The good, the bad and the ugly - Gerry Giesbrecht
November 4
Intro to Health Economics - Gillian Currie
Ethical Issues - Julie Lauzon & Stacy Page
November 5
Essentials of Grant Writing/Pitfalls - Mohamed Eltorki
Survey Design/Analysis - Marinka Twilt
Lecture slides will be linked each morning if available.
November 10
Conducting Research: Requirements for CHREB and AHS approvals - Linda Longpre