How PA students can get involved in Research
As a future PA, you will be working on the frontlines of providing direct patient care. You have an opportunity to bridge the gap between theory and practice through healthcare research. This research may allow you to implement evidence-based strategies to improve patient outcomes and advocate for better patient care.
Some PA programs (like Manitoba’s PA program), incorporate exposure to health care research through Capstone projects. However, other PA programs do not offer this formally. You can STILL get involved through research even if capstone projects are not part of the curriculum.
Here, we’ll provide guidance and valuable insights on how to get started with research as a PA student. We will help you identify your research interests, connect with faculty members and researchers, explore diverse research opportunities, and utilize essential resources
I. Understanding the Role of Research in the PA Profession
As a PA student with a curiosity to explore the world of medical research, it's essential to comprehend the profound impact research has on the PA profession and on patient care. Research is the cornerstone of evidence-based practice, guiding medical decisions and interventions based on rigorous scientific findings.
The Significance of Research in Healthcare: Medical research plays a pivotal role in advancing healthcare by uncovering new treatment modalities, diagnostic tools, and preventative measures. It allows clinicians like PAs to provide evidence-based care to patients. By participating in research, you contribute to the pool of knowledge that improves medical practices, patient outcomes, and the overall quality of healthcare.
The Value of PA Students in Medical Research: As a PA student, you bring a fresh perspective and unwavering enthusiasm to the research community. Your unique experiences in both academic and clinical settings can provide valuable insights to ongoing research projects. Collaborating with experienced researchers, PAs, physicians, and other healthcare professionals, you have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to studies that address critical medical questions.
Bridging the Gap between Theory and Practice: Research acts as a bridge between theoretical knowledge acquired in classrooms and real-world challenges encountered in clinical settings. Through research, you gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of medical conditions, treatment modalities, and patient outcomes. This enriched understanding empowers you to make informed decisions and apply evidence-based practices in your future role as a PA, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care.
Conducting Research on the PA profession for PA Advocacy: In addition to doing case studies, researching medical conditions and on patient care, you can also choose to focus your research project on the impact the PA profession has on patient care. This type of research provides evidence-based support for the efficacy and quality of care provided by PAs, identifies areas of specialization where PAs excel, and supports legislative efforts to expand their scope of practice and integration in the healthcare system. Research also addresses healthcare workforce needs, promotes interprofessional collaboration, educates the public and stakeholders about the PA role,, and dispels misconceptions and biases. Through research, PA advocacy is strengthened, leading to improved recognition, utilization, and support for the critical role that PAs play in delivering high-quality healthcare.
Fostering Lifelong Learning and Professional Growth: Engaging in research as a PA student nurtures a sense of lifelong learning and fosters your professional growth. By immersing yourself in conducting literature reviews, and analyzing data, you cultivate critical thinking and analytical skills that are invaluable throughout your medical career. Furthermore, the ability to stay updated with the latest research findings and methodologies positions you as a proactive and informed future healthcare provider.
II. Identifying your Research Interests
As a PA student looking to embark on a research journey, it's essential to identify and explore your specific research interests within the vast and diverse field of medicine. This step will not only ignite your passion for research but also ensure that your contributions align with topics that resonate personally.
Here are a few tips to help you consider where to focus your efforts in research:
Seek Guidance from Mentors and Faculty: Your professors and mentors can be valuable resources in your quest to identify research interests. Engage in conversations with them about their own research projects and inquire about potential research opportunities that align with your interests. Their guidance and insights can steer you towards compelling research topics.
Reflect on Your Clinical Experiences: Take a moment to reflect on your clinical rotations and experiences during your PA training. Consider the patient cases that intrigued you the most or the conditions you felt particularly drawn to. Identifying these areas of interest can serve as a foundation for potential research topics that excite and motivate you.
Explore Medical Specialties: Medicine is a multifaceted field with numerous specialties and subspecialties. Take the time to explore different medical disciplines and delve into the latest research within those areas. Whether it's cardiology, oncology, pediatrics, or any other specialty, you'll likely find captivating research questions waiting to be addressed.
Consider Social and Global Health Issues: Exploring research topics related to social determinants of health, healthcare disparities, or global health challenges can provide a meaningful sense of purpose to your research journey. These areas often have a profound impact on patient populations and can lead to impactful changes in healthcare policies and practices.
Consider Topics around PA Practice: Research on the PA profession serves not only to advance knowledge about the PA role but also to advocate for the recognition and utilization of PAs as vital members of the healthcare team.
Stay Updated with Research on the PA Profession: Keep yourself updated with the latest research studies and literature on the PA profession. Academic journals and conferences often publish research findings relevant to PAs, addressing topics such as job satisfaction, career advancement, or contributions to patient care and improved patient outcomes. Staying informed can inspire your research interests and help you build upon existing knowledge.
Consider Social and Systematic Aspects of the PA Role: In addition to clinical aspects, consider researching social and systematic aspects of the PA role. Investigate topics related to the integration of PAs in the healthcare workforce, interprofessional collaboration, or the impact of PA-led interventions on healthcare costs and patient outcomes.
Embrace Research on PA Education and Training: Another avenue to explore is research on PA education and training. Investigate the effectiveness of different PA educational models, strategies for improving PA student retention and success, or the long-term outcomes of PA graduates in their careers.
Evaluate the Role of PAs in Public Health: Delve into research topics related to PAs' involvement in public health initiatives, community outreach, and health promotion. Understanding the impact of PAs in these settings can contribute to the recognition of their role as valuable contributors to public health.
Engage in Research Discussions: Joining research-related clubs (e.g. PA-led journal clubs) or organizations can provide you with a platform to engage in discussions with fellow students and researchers. Participating in research forums, conferences, and seminars can expose you to a wide array of research topics and methodologies, inspiring you to explore new avenues for your research interests.
III. Connect with PA Faculty and Researchers
One of the most valuable steps in starting your research journey as a PA student is to connect with experienced PA faculty members and researchers who can guide and support you throughout the process. What better time to start with research than in PA school where you have access to all these resources (University Library, PA faculty members, researchers, biostatisticians, access to statistics software) as a PA student?
Building these meaningful relationships opens doors to various research opportunities and allows you to learn from those who have already made significant contributions to the medical field.
a) Initiating Contact with a potential Research Mentor
Express your eagerness to learn and contribute to ongoing research projects. Many researchers are enthusiastic about mentoring aspiring students and appreciate the curiosity and fresh perspectives that PA students can bring to their teams.
PA professors
PA Faculty Members
Dean of your PA program
Department heads
Clinical Preceptors
Practicing PAs
or other faculty members involved in research
PAs for Research, Scholarship and Education in Canada (PARSEC): speak with one of the board members and they can point you to resources to get started
b) Define the scope of the research project you hope to conduct
You have a range of research project options they can take on, depending on their interests, resources, and academic institutions' offerings.
Here are some different types of research projects that you can consider:
Clinical Research Projects: Clinical research projects involve investigating medical interventions, treatments, or diagnostic methods in patient populations. PA students can participate in observational studies, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), case-control studies, or cohort studies. These projects often require collaboration with physicians, researchers, and healthcare teams.
e.g. Study Name: "Effectiveness of a Novel Intervention for Managing Chronic Pain in Elderly Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial"
Description: This clinical research project aims to investigate the effectiveness of a new pain management intervention in elderly patients suffering from chronic pain. The study involves a randomized controlled trial, with one group receiving the novel intervention and another receiving standard care. Pain levels, functional outcomes, and patient satisfaction will be measured and compared between the two groups.
Literature Reviews and Meta-Analyses: Literature reviews and meta-analyses are research projects that involve summarizing and analyzing existing research literature on specific medical topics. You can conduct systematic reviews to provide a comprehensive overview of evidence-based practices and identify gaps in the current knowledge.
e.g. Study Name: "A Systematic Review of Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Reducing Anxiety in Pediatric Patients"
Description: This literature review and meta-analysis aim to summarize and analyze existing research on non-pharmacological interventions for managing anxiety in pediatric patients. The study will include a comprehensive search of relevant literature, extracting data from multiple studies, and conducting a statistical meta-analysis to determine the overall effectiveness of various non-pharmacological approaches.
Quality Improvement (QI) Projects: Quality improvement projects focus on enhancing healthcare practices within a specific setting, and this can be done in conjunction with a practicing PA. You can participate in projects that aim to optimize patient care, reduce medical errors, improve patient satisfaction, or streamline clinical processes.
e.g. Project Name: "Reducing Door-to-Needle Time in Stroke Patients: A Quality Improvement Initiative"
Description: This quality improvement project aims to optimize the care of stroke patients by reducing the time it takes from their arrival at the hospital to receiving appropriate treatment (door-to-needle time). The project involves analyzing current processes, identifying bottlenecks, and implementing interventions to expedite stroke management, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Survey Studies: Survey studies involve collecting data from individuals through questionnaires or surveys. You can design surveys to assess patient experiences, healthcare preferences, or healthcare provider perceptions, providing valuable insights for healthcare improvement.
Study Name: "Patient Satisfaction with Telehealth Services: A Cross-Sectional Survey"
Description: This survey study aims to assess patient satisfaction with telehealth services in a primary care setting. PA students will design and administer a questionnaire to patients who have used telehealth consultations, exploring their experiences, convenience, and preferences for future healthcare delivery.
Chart Reviews and Retrospective Studies: Chart reviews and retrospective studies involve analyzing patient medical records to extract data for analysis. You can investigate patient outcomes, treatment effectiveness, or healthcare utilization patterns using data from existing patient records.
e.g. Study Name: "Assessing the Impact of Early Intervention on Pediatric Asthma Hospitalizations: A Retrospective Chart Review"
Description: In this retrospective study, PA students will analyze medical records of pediatric patients with asthma to determine the impact of early intervention and follow-up care on reducing hospitalization rates. Data from patient charts will be examined to identify factors associated with fewer hospital admissions.
Educational Research: Educational research projects focus on evaluating the effectiveness of PA education and training programs. You can assess the impact of different teaching methods, curriculum changes, or simulation training on student learning outcomes.
e.g. Study Name: "Evaluating the Effectiveness of Simulation-Based Training for PA Students in Emergency Medicine"
Description: This educational research project aims to assess the impact of simulation-based training on PA students' preparedness for emergency medicine scenarios. PA students will participate in simulated emergency situations, and their performances will be evaluated to gauge the effectiveness of this educational method.
Public Health Research: Public health research projects focus on understanding and addressing health issues within communities. You can explore topics such as healthcare disparities, disease prevention strategies, or community health promotion.
Study Name: "Assessing Healthcare Access and Barriers in Underserved Communities: A Cross-Sectional Study"
Description: This public health research project involves conducting surveys and interviews with residents in underserved communities to assess healthcare access, barriers, and health-seeking behaviors. The study aims to identify factors hindering access to care and explore potential solutions to improve health outcomes in these communities.
Case Studies: Case studies involve in-depth analysis of specific medical cases or patient scenarios. You can delve into unique patient presentations, rare conditions, or challenging diagnostic dilemmas to contribute to medical knowledge and decision-making.
e.g. Study Name: "A Rare Presentation of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Study"
Description: This case study delves into a rare presentation of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in a pediatric patient, documenting the patient's clinical course, diagnostic challenges, and treatment outcomes. The case study contributes to the understanding of this uncommon condition and its management in pediatric populations.
Qualitative Research: Qualitative research involves gathering non-numerical data, such as interviews, focus groups, or open-ended surveys, to explore attitudes, beliefs, and experiences. You can conduct qualitative research to understand patient perspectives, healthcare provider experiences, or healthcare system challenges.
e.g. Study Name: "Exploring Patient Perspectives on Shared Decision-Making in Cancer Treatment: A Qualitative Interview Study"
Description: In this qualitative research project, PA students will conduct interviews with cancer patients to gain insights into their experiences with shared decision-making in their treatment journey. The study aims to understand patient perspectives, preferences, and challenges in collaborative treatment decision-making.
Research on the PA Profession: As mentioned in the previous section, PA students can take on research projects specifically focused on the PA profession itself. This may include investigating the impact of PAs in various healthcare settings, exploring PA educational outcomes, or examining policy-related issues concerning the PA profession.
e.g. Study Name: "Evaluating the Impact of PAs in Rural Healthcare Settings: A Cross-Sectional Survey"
Description: This research project focuses on assessing the impact of PAs in rural healthcare settings by conducting a survey among patients, physicians, and other healthcare providers. The study aims to explore the role of PAs in improving access to care, patient satisfaction, and the overall healthcare outcomes in underserved rural areas.
IV. Learn the Basics of Research Methodology
As a PA student venturing into the realm of medical research, understanding the basics of research methodology is crucial to conducting rigorous and impactful studies. Research methodology serves as the foundation for your research design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
Familiarizing yourself with various research methodologies empowers you to approach your research projects with confidence and ensures the validity and reliability of your findings.
Research Design: Research design refers to the overall structure and plan of your study. There are several types of research designs, including cross-sectional, longitudinal, case-control, cohort studies, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Each design serves a specific purpose, and selecting the appropriate design for your research question is essential in producing reliable results.
Literature Review: Conducting a comprehensive literature review is a fundamental step in any research project. A literature review involves critically analyzing existing research relevant to your topic, identifying gaps in the literature, and building on existing knowledge. This process ensures that your research contributes meaningfully to the current body of knowledge.
Data Collection Methods: Depending on your research design, you may use various data collection methods, such as surveys, interviews, observations, or medical record reviews. Each method has its strengths and limitations, and choosing the most suitable data collection method is essential for obtaining accurate and meaningful data.
Data Analysis and Statistical Techniques: Data analysis involves organizing, cleaning, and interpreting the collected data. Statistical techniques, such as descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and regression analysis, help draw meaningful conclusions from the data. Proficiency in data analysis tools and software can enhance the efficiency and accuracy of this process.
Validity and Reliability: Maintaining the validity and reliability of your research is crucial to ensuring the accuracy and credibility of your findings. Validity refers to the degree to which your study measures what it intends to measure, while reliability refers to the consistency of your results. Understanding how to minimize bias and errors is vital in achieving valid and reliable research outcomes.
Ethical Considerations: Respecting research ethics is of paramount importance in any study involving human subjects. Familiarize yourself with ethical guidelines and obtain appropriate approvals from institutional review boards (IRBs) or ethics committees before conducting research involving human participants.
Data Interpretation and Conclusion: Interpreting the results of your research and drawing meaningful conclusions is the final step in the research process. Present your findings in a clear and concise manner, and discuss their implications for the medical field. Acknowledge any limitations in your study and propose future directions for research in your area of interest.
Don't hesitate to seek guidance from your research mentors and faculty. They can provide valuable insights into research methodology and offer feedback on your research proposals.
V. Utilizing Resources and Tools for Research
Research is a dynamic field with a vast amount of information, and having access to the right resources will not only enhance your understanding but also streamline your research process.
Here are key resources and tools to aid you in your research endeavors:
Medical Databases and Libraries: Online medical databases, such as PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar, are treasure troves of scientific articles, research papers, and clinical studies. These databases enable you to search for literature related to your research interests, and access full-text articles.
Academic Journals and Publications: Stay connected with reputable academic journals and publications in your area of interest. Journals like JAMA, NEJM, and The Lancet are renowned for publishing cutting-edge research and reviews. Also look at PA-related journals and publications, including Journal of Canada’s Physician Assistants (JCanPA) and Journal for the Academy of Physician Associates (JAAPA). Subscribing to journal alerts ensures you receive timely notifications about new research relevant to your research focus.
Note: PA students get free access to JAAPA if you are a member of the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants (JAAPA) - take advantage of the CAPA student member rate!
Research Methodology Guides and Books: Familiarize yourself with research methodology guides and books that provide insights into experimental design, data analysis, and statistical techniques. Understanding various research methodologies will help you design robust studies and critically analyze existing research.
Institutional Research Support: Check if your academic institution offers research support services, such as research workshops, statistical consulting, and access to software tools for data analysis. Many universities provide resources to assist students in their research pursuits. For example:
Research Ethics Guidelines: Adhere to ethical standards in your research activities. Familiarize yourself with research ethics guidelines and principles, ensuring the safety, privacy, and confidentiality of research participants and data.
Online Research Communities and Forums: Engage with online research communities and forums to connect with researchers, ask questions, and share ideas. Platforms like ResearchGate and academic subreddit communities can be valuable resources for collaboration and feedback.
Data Analysis Software: Proficiency in data analysis software such as SPSS, R, or Excel can facilitate the processing and interpretation of research data. Enroll in tutorials or workshops to enhance your data analysis skills. This is the best time to take advantage of access to biostatisticians/librarians to get started on data analysis.
Research Mentors and Advisors: Leverage the expertise of your research mentors and advisors. Seek their guidance on research methodologies, literature review, and refining your research question. Their insights will be invaluable as you progress in your research journey.
Online Research Tools and Apps: Utilize online research tools and apps to streamline your research workflow. Reference management tools like Zotero, Mendeley, Grammarly Citation Generator, help organize your sources and citations, while collaboration tools like Asana, Slack and Trello facilitate communication within research teams.
Remember, the availability of resources may vary depending on your institution and location. Don't hesitate to seek guidance from your mentors and peers to discover additional resources tailored to your research interests.
VI. Presenting and Publishing your Research Findings
a) Why you should present your research findings
As a PA student engaged in research, the ultimate goal is to share your findings with the medical community, PA profession, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge. Presenting and publishing your research not only validates your hard work but also allows others to benefit from your findings.
Here's why presenting and publishing research findings are essential steps in your research journey:
Contribution to Medical Knowledge: By presenting your research findings at conferences or publishing them in academic journals, you add valuable insights to the existing body of medical knowledge.
Professional Development: Presenting your research at conferences provides a platform to showcase your work and receive feedback from experts in the field. This experience hones your presentation skills, boosts your confidence, and exposes you to diverse perspectives.
Networking Opportunities: Conferences and academic journal publications are excellent venues for networking with researchers, faculty, and clinicians from various institutions. These connections can lead to potential collaborations, research partnerships, and mentorship opportunities
Elevating Your CV and Resumé: Listing presentations and publications on your CV or resumé enhances your credibility as a researcher and healthcare professional. It demonstrates your commitment to advancing medical knowledge and showcases your ability to contribute meaningfully to the field.
Building a Research Portfolio: As a PA student, building a research portfolio early in your career can set you apart in the job market and future academic pursuits. Potential employers or graduate programs often value candidates with a demonstrated interest in research and a track record of contributions to the scientific community.
b) How to present your research findings
Research Conferences: Participating in local, regional, or national research conferences is a popular way for PA students to present their research. These conferences often have specific sessions or poster presentations dedicated to student research. Presenting at conferences allows you to share work with a broader audience, receive feedback from experts in the field, and network with researchers and healthcare professionals. Consider prsenting at the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants (CAPA) Conference.
Poster Presentations: Poster presentations are a common format for sharing research findings at conferences and other academic events. You create visual posters summarizing their research project, including key objectives, methods, results, and conclusions. During the presentation, you stand next to your posters, answer questions, and engage in discussions with attendees interested in your work. Consider presenting your poster at the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants (CAPA) Conference.
Oral Presentations: Some conferences and events offer PA students the opportunity to give oral presentations. In this format, students present their research to an audience, typically with the use of slides to support their presentation. Oral presentations allow for a more in-depth discussion of the research and provide students with the chance to refine their public speaking skills.
Journal Submissions: PA students may have the opportunity to submit their research findings for publication in academic journals. Student-led research papers that meet the journal's quality and relevance criteria can contribute to the dissemination of knowledge and strengthen the evidence base within the PA profession. Consider Journal of Canada’s Physician Assistants (JCanPA) and JAAPA.
Virtual Conferences and Webinars: In recent times, virtual conferences and webinars have become increasingly popular due to their accessibility and convenience. PA students can present their research virtually to audiences from around the world. Webinars may include live presentations, pre-recorded videos, or interactive Q&A sessions.
Student Research Symposia: Many academic institutions organize student research symposia or research days, where students present their research projects to faculty, peers, and the wider university community. These events provide a supportive environment for PA students to gain experience in presenting their work and receive constructive feedback from faculty members.
Departmental Seminars: Some PA programs or departments host regular seminars where students can present their research to faculty and peers. These seminars foster an environment of learning and intellectual exchange within the program, providing an opportunity for students to receive valuable feedback and support.
Research Competitions: Some conferences and organizations host research competitions specifically for students. PA students can compete with their research projects against peers from other institutions, with the chance to win awards and gain recognition for their work.
Interprofessional Events: Participating in interprofessional events, where students from various healthcare disciplines come together, allows PA students to present their research in a multidisciplinary setting. This experience fosters collaboration and enhances the understanding of the PA role among other healthcare professionals.
Online Research Platforms: PA students can also share their research on online platforms, such as research-specific websites, blogs, or social media. Sharing research online can reach a broader audience and allow for engagement and feedback from researchers and professionals worldwide.
Final notes
Getting involved in research as a PA student can be a rewarding journey that holds immense potential for personal growth and professional development. By identifying your research interests and exploring diverse research project types, you can make meaningful contributions to evidence-based practice, advocate for the PA profession, and address critical healthcare challenges. Engaging in research not only enhances your understanding of medical science but also equips you with essential skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration.
