The Baylor College of Medicine Psychiatry Residency Research Track was developed to facilitate the development of trainees for careers as psychiatric physician-scientists. While continuing to receive premier clinical training from Baylor-affiliated sites alongside other Baylor psychiatric residents, research track residents will be provided significant time for mentored research across all four years of training. Following completion of the Residency Research Track, graduates will be well-positioned for the next stage of their careers, whether it be advanced research fellowship training or a junior faculty position.
Track Benefits
Benefits for one designated research track resident per year (selected by NRMP match):
- Increasing amounts of time protected from clinical duties across all four years, to facilitate the development of research projects and grant/manuscript writing
- Up to one month protected time for research in PGY1 year, up to two months in PGY2 year, and up to 50 percent time in PGY3 and PGY4 years
- Five days of additional PTO-eligible travel time per academic year, as needed, to attend research conferences
- Establishment of formal research mentorship relationship according to research interest
Track Expectations
Research Track Residents will be expected to:
- Select a research mentor by PGY2 year
- Develop or participate in a research project that leads either to peer-reviewed publication or supports a larger grant application. It is the expectation that research track projects will be anchored solely or jointly in MEDVAMC initiatives, with a VA-based mentor. Collaboration is strongly encouraged with mentors and resources of BCM Psychiatry including The Menninger Clinic and other BCM departments.
- Attend one national scientific conference over the course of residency to present their own work for poster or oral presentation
- Assist with interviews and selection of new Research Track candidates, as well as provide support and guidance for junior colleagues
- Assume leadership role during final year in the program as Research Chief Resident
Protected research time encompasses:
- Dedicated research rotations each academic year (PGY1-PGY4) made possible through MEDVAMC resources
- Leading or collaborating on structured mentored research projects
- Didactic series on evidence-based medicine and research methods
- Monthly journal club sessions in small groups with clinical and research faculty guidance
- Optional involvement with institutional research training courses
The BCM Psychiatry Research track offers a wide range of opportunities for clinical and basic neuroscience research experiences. Faculty have interests spanning molecular biology, genetics, cellular and systems neuroscience, neuropharmacology, psychoneuroendocrinology, addiction psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias (ADRD), mood disorders, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, childhood trauma, attachment, and health services research.
One of the underlying missions of the Research Track is to foster collaborations in psychiatric research across MEDVAMC and BCM psychiatry affiliates. It is the expectation that research track projects will be anchored solely or jointly in MEDVAMC initiatives, with a VA-based mentor. Collaboration is strongly encouraged with mentors and resources of BCM Psychiatry including the Menninger Clinic and other BCM Departments.
Track Leadership
