The 1st Child Health Research Training Course was delivered in Autumn 2011, with 16 trainees undergoing two full days of intensive training per month for a six month period. Methods used were a combination of didactic lectures, small group sessions, and one-to-one learning. Entry requirements for the course were high, with an emphasis on practical and deliverable research topics. The course curriculum was designed to use the key steps to develop the research hypothesis into a potential grant application. Trainees came from a variety of clinical backgrounds within HMC and had a range of research experience.
The purposes of training were wide ranging and included a variety of concepts that would be explored within the core curriculum, which involved the traditional knowledge and skills required to conduct clinical research. In addition, the purpose of training was to illustrate and showcase important concepts used within clinical research, such as time management, research team development, research training, trainee mentorship and the importance of peer review. The ideal model for training involved multiple modalities, and each would contribute uniquely to the learning experience.
The 2nd Child Health Research Training Course was delivered in June 2012 and adopted a similar format as the first course. Encouragingly, a majority of the 15 attending trainees were non-physicians – i.e. nurses, prosthetic technicians, pharmacists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists. Trainees from other health organizations were also represented.
Under the joint leadership of Dr. Haitham El Bashir, HMC, and Dr. Lillian Sung, SKI, initiatives to develop and promote research training endeavors, including core curriculum development and establishing rounds have occurred. Dr. Haitham’s role as Chair of Department of Pediatrics’ Faculty Development Sub-Committee ensures that the pediatrics and research curricula are synchronized.
