Personal Learning Outcomes for Clinical Research Fellows: Meeting ACGME Core Competencies

As a clinical research fellow, it is imperative to develop personal learning outcomes while establishing clear goals. Regularly monitoring progress towards these goals is essential. The goals will vary depending on the research project, institutional expectations, and personal interests. By aligning personal objectives with institutional demands, you can make significant contributions to the field of medicine while advancing your career.

When developing learning outcomes, we recommend include verbs from Bloom’s taxonomy, which categorizes learning objectives based on cognitive levels. Additionally, considering the ACGME core competencies is crucial. Here are examples of learning outcomes to strive for as a clinical research fellow:

Learning Outcome 1: Apply evidence-based medicine principles and research methodologies and evaluate patient outcomes, thereby contributing to the improvement of healthcare delivery.

Core Competencies: Medical Knowledge, Patient Care, Practice-based Learning and Improvement

Learning Outcome 2: Actively participate in interdisciplinary teams, leveraging your unique perspectives and expertise to optimize healthcare delivery and provide patient-centered care.

Core Competencies: Interpersonal and Communication Skills, Patient Care, Systems-based Practice

Learning Outcome 3: Demonstrate unwavering adherence to ethical considerations and regulatory requirements in clinical research, placing utmost priority on patient safety and welfare.

Core Competencies: Professionalism, Systems-based Practice

Learning Outcome 4: Develop effective communication and interpersonal skills to establish rapport with patients, colleagues, and healthcare teams, facilitating collaborative and patient-centered care.

Core Competencies: Interpersonal and Communication Skills, Patient Care

Learning Outcome 5: Exhibit professionalism and ethical behavior in all aspects of clinical research, demonstrating a commitment to integrity, accountability, and lifelong learning.

Core Competencies: Professionalism, Medical Knowledge, Practice-based Learning and Improvement

Learning Outcome 6: Demonstrate practice-based learning and improvement by continuously engaging in self-assessment, seeking and integrating feedback, and staying updated with advancements in medicine.

Core Competencies: Practice-based Learning and Improvement, Medical Knowledge

Note: These learning outcomes are designed to align with the ACGME’s core competencies, encompassing Medical Knowledge, Patient Care, Interpersonal and Communication Skills, Professionalism, Practice-based Learning and Improvement, and Systems-based Practice. Customization of these learning outcomes is encouraged based on the specific requirements of your research fellowship, your training level and milestone, and your short- and long-term career plan.

Acknowledgment: I would like to acknowledge the collaborative assistance of ChatGPT 3.5 in editing and organizing the content of this article, which originated from my own observations and thoughts as a frontline clinical educator and healthcare professional.