An active research component is included within the fellowship training program. A meaningful research experience is provided with appropriate protected time for each fellow. Exposure to divisional research programs is initiated early in the fellowship to allow the fellow adequate insight into available areas of research in preparation for the ultimate selection of a faculty member to serve as a specific research mentor for the remainder of the fellowship training program.
The immediate goal of the research experience is for the fellow to learn sound methodology in designing and performing research studies and the correct interpretation and synthesis of research data. The fellows are encouraged to consider participation in a research project relevant to rheumatic disease in the laboratories of bench scientists in other departments of the College of Medicine. We have enjoyed the enthusiastic cooperation of our colleagues from other Departments in those instances where the fellow has opted for a research opportunity outside the division.