Research Training

Male student in research lab pouring liquid from one container to another

To prepare the trainee for a career as a physician-scientist with expertise in basic, translational, or clinical research, we offer a wide range of outstanding training opportunities that are supervised by excellent mentors either located within the division or in affiliated departments. To help fellows achieve this goal, the Fellowship Director or Associate Director will work closely with incoming fellows to identify their areas of interest prior to matriculation into the program. 

Early in the first year, the fellow will choose or have assigned a Scholarship Oversight Committee (SOC) consisting of faculty members with expertise in clinical, translational, or basic science research commensurate with the fellow’s interests. A primary mentor is chosen by the fellow as early in the first year as possible, and the mentor will lead the SOC committee to assist the fellow in achieving the goals for her/his scholarly activity.  

During the first and second years, the trainee will work closely with her/his mentor and SOC in project development, acquisition of laboratory skills, and preparation of a research grant proposal. Preliminary results will also be presented to the neonatology faculty/fellows at semi-annual meetings designated for division research. Fellows will progressively develop their research and laboratory expertise and are expected to present their findings at both local and national research conferences during the second year. The fellow should submit a manuscript of their findings by the third year, and for those choosing a research-focused career, begin a NIH K-level funding application or similar career development award with their mentor.


Examples of Excellent Research Opportunities in UF Departments

For fellows with an interest in clinical research, there are multiple active clinical research studies being performed in our NICU. Additional formal training in study design and analytical methods significantly strengthens a career as a physician-scientist with a focus in clinical research.

The College of Medicine is committed to not only providing the highest level of quality health care to our patients but also to patients everywhere through training physicians in healthcare improvement techniques. The fellow interested in healthcare improvement will learn state-of-the-art quality measures, analysis, participate in HI activities in our NICU led by our faculty or other appropriate venues, and report on these activities at local and national meetings as well as in manuscripts. Visit The Institute for Healthcare Improvement for additional resources.

The Department of Pediatrics also gives fellows in training access to the Pediatric Research Hub or PoRCH. The Pediatric Research Hub (PoRCH) aims to provide research infrastructure and support to investigators, study staff, and departments involved in pediatric research at the University of Florida. This is accomplished by supporting pediatric clinical trials as well as other forms of pediatric-focused research studies.