Urology Research
Location: Ruby Memorial Hospital of the WVU Hospitals, Inc.
Morgantown, West Virginia
Preceptor: Stanley Zaslau, M.D.
Number of Students: 1 per rotation block
Duration: 1 month minimum
Offered: Continuously
Status: This rotation fulfills a senior year requirement for an elective rotation.
Contact: Morgan Myers
Objectives
To gain competence in hypothesis generation, implementation, and reporting of basic and clinical urologic research, students will be assigned a basic and clinical project they will carry out under the guidance of department faculty members; each project is meant to be worthy of presentation and/or publication on the regional and/or national arenas; they will receive limited urologic clinical experiences with the department that include attendance at department rounds, conferences, and research meetings.
This rotation is specifically aimed toward students with an interest in pursuing a career in urology. It is best positioned after completion of a one-month clinical elective with our department. This additional month allows the student the opportunity to initiate, collaborate, and complete a small research project with our full-time faculty members. The project will involve preparation of one of the following: prospective or retrospective chart review, case-series, review article, or several case reports. The project selected by the student and faculty member will be such that it should be able to be completed by the conclusion of the rotation. Projects are specifically selected that should allow publication or presentation at a national meeting within several months of the undertaking. This is maximally beneficial to students in the application process for urology residency, as this participation will enhance their Curriculum Vitae before the interview process.
Students also will have the opportunity to observe and participate in laboratory research under the auspices of department full-time faculty members and our ancillary departments (pathology, cellular biology, and microbiology).
Methods of Achieve Objectives
Students will function as an independent, yet dependent researcher on a project (s) under the auspices of department faculty members. They will formulate a project and carry it to completion during their rotation with the department. We realize that some projects take longer than the designated time to complete and often can carry out the project for the student, as necessary. They will attend and present their work in our monthly research conference. Additional opportunities to present research on a national level is encouraged and supported by the department.
Examination Procedures and Evaluation Criteria
Students will be assigned specific readings on core topics in general urology as they relate to their proposed research project. Informal lectures on basic research topics will occur during the rotation.
Students are evaluated by demonstrating proficiency in the following areas: knowledge base, successful development of hypothesis, depth of literature review, status of project, and interaction with faculty and staff members.
On the First Day of the Rotation, Report To: 2 West Surgery Physician Lounge, second floor hospital tower at 6:30 AM.