Developing clinician scientists through integrated research training in psychiatry

Background: Economic pressures are directing psychiatrists' activities into less direct patient care and more clinical administrative and evaluative roles. Practice restraints require greater precision in patient assessment and outcomes. With these changes, psychiatrists must develop lifetime professional habits and skills in research to adequately evaluate clinical work and provide leadership in quality care. Description: This article describes steps for integrating research activities with residency training and provides an overview of the program structure that involves mentoring, training in basic research skills, a supportive pathway, and clinical research opportunities for residents throughout their training. Evaluation: Initial outcomes of our efforts are promising with increased resident research involvement as well as the stimulation of additional program development. Conclusions: Integrating research into clinical training can minimize barriers to research activities and enhance the development of clinically relevant research skills.