All residents are required to participate in research during the residency program. Each year a 12-week research training program is provided for all residents, although only PGY II residents are required to attend. A two-month research elective rotation is available for senior residents who wish to pursue an intensive research experience under the mentorship of a faculty member. A letter to the chairman of the Research Committee indicating the goals of the elective, intended project, and faculty mentor is required. A complete proposal and IRB approval for the project is required before a resident may begin the elective.
Formal examinations occur twice per year.
Attending faculty give written evaluations of each resident after each rotation. Residents are asked to evaluate the training program and faculty by a written evaluation form. Call is in-house at Parkland Hospital. Responsibilities include management of problems that arise on the inpatient units at Parkland and Zale Lipshy hospitals, as well as telephone coverage at the VA spinal- cord unit. Each resident will also have weekend coverage at the VA SCI unit four to five weekends per year.