The University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville is committed to fostering research by the faculty and residents. This institution has been engaged in clinically applied research for many years and is enriched by the presence of faculty who have demonstrated excellence in performing research and in training new investigators.

Each year the UF College of Medicine – Jacksonville hosts an annual Celebration of Resident and Fellow Education and Research Day in concert with our institutional graduation that brings all of the college's departments together. Residents present their quality improvement and other scholarly projects related to medical education and research at this forum. Well-designed studies conducted in collaboration with the faculty have resulted in residents and fellows also presenting their research at regional, national and international meetings.

Advancing Pediatric Scholarship

Pediatrics Research at UF College of Medicine – Jacksonville

At the University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville (UFCOM-J), pediatric resident education extends beyond clinical excellence—it embraces scholarly discovery. With a long-standing commitment to research, UFCOM-J has cultivated a vibrant environment where residents collaborate with faculty mentors, engage in clinically relevant projects, and present their work at regional and national levels.

A Grassroots Beginning

In 2020, a group of pediatric residents came together with a shared goal: to navigate the complexities of research design, IRB submission, and scholarly publication. What began as an informal Pediatric Resident Research Interest Group quickly evolved into something greater. Responding to resident feedback, the program formalized a dedicated Research Track in 2021.

Structured, Longitudinal Research Training

The three-year longitudinal Research Track offers:

• Protected time for research during PGY-1 through PGY-3
• Immersive didactics in research methodology, QI, and IRB processes
• Dedicated faculty mentorship
• Hands-on learning through real-time project development

Residents in the track are expected to complete:

1. A research presentation during Grand Rounds
2. Abstract presentations at both regional and national conferences
3. Submission of a manuscript to a peer-reviewed journal

Milestones and Recognition

Since its launch, the track has supported 5 residents, 3 of whom have graduated our Residency Program. Their work has been showcased at:

• AAP National Conference & Exhibition (NCE)
• Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) Meeting
• UFCOM-J Celebration of Education and Research Day

Electives and Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Residents outside the track benefit from research electives in both clinical and basic sciences. One standout collaboration with the UF Department of Computer, Information Science, and Engineering involves a virtual reality tool for adolescent mental health disclosure, currently under review for National Science Foundation funding.

Mentorship and Faculty Development

The Research Track also enhances the academic culture for faculty. Mentors play an active role in project design, methodology, and publication, strengthening both resident outcomes and faculty scholarship.

A Dual Mission: Clinicians and Scholars

UFCOM-J’s Research Track is more than a curriculum—it’s a commitment to producing pediatricians who lead through evidence-based practice and discovery. With growing participation, impactful publications, and meaningful mentorship, the program continues to elevate the academic profile of the residency—and the careers of those within it.

Interested in learning more or joining the Research Track?

Contact our Pediatric Residency Office or explore our Residency Program Overview for more information.

• Research Track Accomplishments

In addition, our residents have been successful in getting meaningful scholarly activity out of their advocacy projects.

In 2020, two residents were recognized with the AAP Section on Pediatric Trainees Anne E. Dyson Child Advocacy Award for their project on youth vaping advocacy—demonstrating how scholarship and community impact can go hand-in-hand.

Three residents were awarded AAP CATCH grants in the past five years.

Residents are encouraged to present their scholarly work. Funding support is made available for these presentations and residents are strongly encouraged to publish the results of their various scholarly projects.