Each June, Marshfield Clinic welcomes recent medical, dental and pharmacy school graduates to train in one of nine residency programs.
Thomas Nikolai, M.D., (left) emeritus physician, presents the Nikolai Award for Outstanding Resident Research to Victor Abrich, M.D., Internal Medicine resident, at the 2014 Medical Education Day Joined by other residents and fellows in the Marshfield Clinic and Ministry Saint Joseph's Hospital Residency/Fellowship Program, these providers will spend anywhere from one to five years preparing to take care of future patients.
Though formal schooling is complete when residency begins, education and academic pursuits continue throughout residency training. In the Marshfield Clinic program, nearly all residents complete academic projects, including the opportunity to participate in medical, dental or pharmaceutical research.
"The work our residents do in the pursuit of research as well as for improvements in clinical care is quite impressive," said Matthew Jansen, M.D., Division of Education director. "This makes us unique in comparison to other residency programs similar in size."
Dr. Jansen emphasized that the Clinic's ability to offer resident research in a community-based medical center differentiates our training and programs from most other (non-university) community-based residency programs. In fact, these research opportunities allow the Clinic to attract residents who seek to advance care as part of their practice.
The scholarly accomplishments of the residents and fellows are celebrated each May at the annual Medical Education Day, with special recognition for exemplary achievement in research.
This year's program featured 11 oral presentations and 16 poster presentations on a wide variety of topics.
Nathanya Baez, M.D., second-year pediatric resident, recognized the value in this special occasion.
"Medical Education Day is an inspiring event for those pursuing research activities. It has personally motivated me to come up with research questions and activities," Dr. Baez said. "I am very impressed with the support residents receive from the Clinic and I am more than proud to be part of the Marshfield family."
More than half of the residents are involved in research at any given time during an academic year, with assistance from numerous faculty research mentors. During the last three years alone, over 40 residents have been published in nationally recognized medical journals.
According to Marshfield Clinic Pharmacy Residency Program Director Sara Griesbach, Pharm.D., "Conducting research is one way residents contribute to the mission of an organization. Many residency programs require residents to develop and cultivate project management skills throughout their training."
"Such skill development may take the form of formal research, quality improvement initiatives, medication use evaluations, or service implementation." Dr. Griesbach explained. "Information obtained through research is utilized to better serve patients."
Resident research activities are funded through current support and by an endowment intended to ensure that the resident research program continues long into the future. Donations are welcome for both current research needs and the resident research endowment.
For more information on resident research or Marshfield Clinic's education mission, please contact the Development Department at 1-800-858-5220.
