From the Ground Up: Building a Pediatric Orthopaedic Clinical Research Program Invited Perspective

Abstract

To build a successful clinical research program in pediatric orthopaedics, you first need to start moving. Simple early steps and early success will build momentum. Advertise your program locally to recruit help from residents, students, departments, and hospitals. Utilize available local resources that often come with little to no cost. Solicit support from key stakeholders such as hospital systems, universities, and academic departments. Once your program gains some momentum and financial support, you can begin to add key personnel. It is then time for your mature research program to begin national and international collaborations and seek out large grants.

Key Concepts:

• Start small and achieve early success in a new clinic research program.


• Improve your research skills by serving as a reviewer for research proposals, manuscripts, and grants.


• Collaborate as often as possible both within your institution and around the globe.


• Promote your programs research success to build momentum and recruit talented people.