Factors Influencing Involvement in Research and Career Choice: A Survey of Graduating Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residents

Segal NA, Wilson Garvan C, Basford JR. Factors influencing involvement in research and career choice: a survey of graduating physical medicine and rehabilitation residents. Objective: To assess the extent to which physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) residents' involvement in research and selection of postgraduate practice may be related to residency program research requirements and support for presentations. Design: Internet-based survey. Setting: Anonymous access to Web form. Participants: PM&R residents graduating in June 2004 and 2005. Interventions: Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures: Involvement in research, postgraduate practice setting and planned research effort, residency research requirement, and support for scientific presentations. Results: One hundred sixty (24%) of the 657 graduating residents, representing 25 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, responded. Eighty-five percent indicated research involvement, with 74% reporting a research requirement and 85% residency program financial support for presentations. On average, respondents planned to devote 7% (95% confidence interval, 5%-9%) of their time to research once in practice. There was a statistically significant association between the existence of a research requirement and involvement in research (P<.001). However, there was no evidence of a statistically significant association between either the existence of a research requirement or presentation support and the selection of an academic career. There were no significant regional disparities for the existence of a research requirement, travel support, or number of presentations. However, there was a statistically significant regional difference in the proportion of postgraduate practice time that the respondents planned to devote to research. Conclusions: A requirement for PM&R residents to be involved in research may influence research activity during residency but may not be associated with selection of an academic or research-oriented practice.