RESEARCH INITIATIVES

At FFMR, we focus on training our residents to be proficient in the theoretical underpinnings
and applied practice of evidence-based medicine. Attendance and participation at monthly
Journal Club and Research/Clinical Psychology Seminar meetings is required of all PGY II
and PGY III residents.

In recent years, FFMR faculty and residents have been active in sharing innovations and
initiatives with colleagues through conference presentations and publications. Residents are
strongly encouraged to work toward presenting their ideas at regional and national
conferences and are given assistance toward this goal.

FFMR is an active participant in a variety of large-scale research projects. Current projects in
advanced planning stages are large scale, multi-site studies of the treatment of depression in
primary care, and management of patients with chronic pain.

JOURNAL CLUB

A key component of the Residency's committment to training residents in the tools necessary
to understand the principles of evidence-based medicine is the Journal Club, which meets
monthly. PGY II and III residents are asked to present a journal article on a clinical issue that
arose from their practice. The article is evaluated regarding type and quality of research, and
the conclusions of the article are assessed as to the relevance to the clinical question. Each
PGY II and III resident presents one article per year and participates in the other monthly
meetings. Dr. Peter McConarty coordinates Journal Club with assistance from Dr. Apostoleris and
Dr. Stevenson.

RESEARCH/CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY SEMINAR

In this monthly seminar, Dr. Apostoleris teaches the core principles and theoretical
underpinnings of the scientific method, presents the fundamentals of research methods, and,
when there is interest, provides a refresher on the basics of statistical analyses. Key topics in
primary care clinical psychology and psychiatry are also presented at each meeting.