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. 2023 Aug 23;4(3):e329.
doi: 10.1097/AS9.0000000000000329. eCollection 2023 Sep.

An Open-Source Curriculum to Teach Practical Academic Research Skills

Jonathan J Lee  1 , James R Korndorffer Jr  2 , Lisa M Knowlton  2 , Jeff Choi  2
Affiliations

An Open-Source Curriculum to Teach Practical Academic Research Skills

Jonathan J Lee et al. Ann Surg Open. .

Abstract

Academic productivity is important for career advancement, yet not all trainees have access to structured research programs. Without formal teaching, acquiring practical skills for research can be challenging. A comprehensive research course that teaches practical skills to translate ideas into publications could accelerate trainees' productivity and liberate faculty mentors' time. We share our experience designing and teaching "A Practical Introduction to Academic Research", a course that teaches practical skills including building productive habits, recognizing common statistical pitfalls, writing cover letters, succinct manuscripts, responding to reviewers, and delivering effective presentations. We share open-source educational material used during the Winter 2022 iteration to facilitate curriculum adoption at peer institutions.

Keywords: academic research; medical student education; practical skills; productivity; research course; surgical research.

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