New Rotation Elective Aims to Introduce Residents to Biomedical Informatics
Pediatric residents will have a new elective rotation option starting in July that will help them learn more about the emerging field of biomedical informatics. Organizers are currently seeking mentors and project ideas for the program, which is being developed through a partnership between the divisions of Biomedical Informatics (BMI) and Hospital Medicine.
“I think this is an incredibly important topic for our residents to learn about,” says Philip Hagedorn, MD, an instructor in Hospital Medicine who has led development of the program. “Literacy with basic informatics topics will be increasingly important for the medical practitioner and researcher as we learn to leverage data and technology in the delivery of healthcare and conduct of research.”
During the rotation, residents will learn through reading, participating in operational meetings and activities, and undertaking an informatics-related project of their choosing. Residents will also be encouraged to participate in BMI’s Clinical Informatics Focus Group and Biomedical Informatics Seminar Series.
Hagedorn is currently working with BMI’s educational team and clinical data analysts across the medical center to build a list of potential mentors and projects that would connect rotating residents with small, bite-sized experiences. Typical projects are expected to include building or analyzing clinical data sets or starting an implementation/QI project.
“The hope is that a compelling project would draw these learners into our community to develop and improve long-term clinical and research projects,” says Peter White, PhD, BMI’s division director. “Educating clinical trainees means that, in time, we’ll have more fellows and attending physicians who understand basic concepts in the field of biomedical informatics and the strengths and limitations of information and technology. Ultimately, we will have more capable and knowledgeable collaborators.”
Hagedorn hopes to broadly involve the research community in this effort. His first goal: A list of active and engaged researchers who can be matched to a resident’s areas of interest and expertise. “The better the match, the better the chances for a longitudinal and productive project AND a foray into the field of biomedical informatics!”
To become a mentor or propose small project idea for a learner, email philip.hagedorn@cchmc.org.
