Fellow

Consider research fellowship training where one is given support to take formal coursework in research methods, study design, and statistics. Also, consider obtaining a masters in clinical outcomes research or in public health. These are all stepping stones on the path to research funding.

Research Fellowships

There are many emergency medicine (EM) research fellowships across the country. Research fellowships offer protected research time, additional education, and mentorship. Each program varies and some are funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) through T32 grants. Regardless of the specific program, research fellowships can create a strong foundation to help start your career. See the SAEM Fellowship Directory for the most up-to-date list of research fellowships.

Research Training Bootcamps

Consider attending a research training bootcamp or statistical courses either as an upper-level resident or soon after graduation. These are available through national EM organizations such as the SAEM ARMED course, American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) Research Academy, the NIH, and many private companies (for example, Statistical Horizons). You will learn important skills and network with others interested in research, and they are potential collaborators as you move forward in your career.

Funding Mechanisms

Ultimately, the goal of most researchers is "independence" - that is to say, receiving some external grants or funds that allow you to do the research that you love and also help support the mission of your home department and university. Some institutions offer internal research funding, but the majority is granted through external funding mechanisms such as the NIH, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), the SAEM Foundation, the Emergency Medicine Foundation (EMF), and the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). There are also private companies who have started funding projects in specific areas of interest such as West Health. NIH Reporter can be used to see what each institute has funded previously, and NIH Program Officers are a great resource as you consider applying for NIH funding. Grants are another way to gain funding to reach independence. For many, this will be one of the large independent grants by the NIH, an R series grant (with the R01 being the most commonly recognized and considered of the "gold standards" of research independence). However, private research funding is increasing. Prior to achieving research independence, most researchers will obtain training grants such as the K grants available through NIH. Not only do these provide significant amounts of dedicated time for research and training, these help build strong curriculum vitae (CV) with research track records and publications that are necessary for large funding opportunities.

Organizations and institutions that provide funding, as well as the types of funding you can obtain, are different. Look carefully at their websites and rely on good mentors to help you find the right path for you.