Bolster Early Research Development with the ITHS Scientific Success Committee

04 Jan Bolster Early Research Development with the ITHS Scientific Success Committee

ITHS has a long history of helping researchers prepare for submitting a grant, creating a study or even helping to shape up research ideas that are in early stages.

Sometimes researchers need a broader perspective on study design and implementation from clinical investigators and other experts, and that’s where the ITHS Scientific Success Committee can help.

While developing a study plan, researchers can submit information about their proposal to see if it’s a good fit for the committee. Then, they meet with experienced faculty and staff to get personalized feedback on their proposed clinical research and, as applicable, career development. After the meeting, receive a summary that has detailed comments, including statistical considerations, as well as suggested resources and actions that could improve the research. The hope is that the committee will help meet the needs of junior investigators who are seeking guidance at the early stage of study design.

The ITHS Scientific Success Committee has supported investigators from many health-related research disciplines across the region, including researchers at UW, Seattle Children’s, University of Montana, and University of Alaska. A recent participant had this to say of the consultation received:

This was one of the best, if not the best, feedback experiences I have had. I so appreciated the enthusiasm, critical feedback, and depth and breadth of perspectives shared at the meeting today. It was very energizing for me, and I am so excited to keep this project moving forward.

 

Researchers from any academic or clinical site in Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho can request a consultation at no cost. While open to any career level, individuals who are at an early stage of their research career (e.g., postdocs, fellows, and assistant professors) or who are new to clinical research will likely find the most benefit. The committee has offered tailored guidance on a range of topics such as:

• Defining key study design questions to resolve in a feasibility study
• Selecting appropriate study endpoints including patient reported outcomes
• Assessing relevance of an intervention or comparative effectiveness study to clinical practice
• Identifying potential medical complications of a proposed intervention
• Involving community in the design of a clinical study or recruitment plan
• Refining and integrating research and career development plans for a career development application

Here at ITHS, we are fortunate to have access to a wealth of experienced researchers available to help guide and mentor those in the pursuit of the kind of high-quality research that will benefit our community. Our committee leaders and members are detailed below, and represent a wide range of expertise and excellence in their fields.

Chair:

Jerry J. Zimmerman, MD, PhD

Co-chair: Kathy Tuttle, MD

Co-chair: Allison Lambert, MD, MHS

Members:

• Margaret Rosenfeld, MD, MPH
• Paul Martin, MD
• Jairam “Jay” Lingappa, MD, PhD
• Cate Pihoker, MD
• Elizabeth Krakow, MD, CM, MSc
• Kate MacDuffie, MA, PhD
• Robert H. Coker, PhD (Trey)
• Teal S. Hallstrand, MD, MPH
• Allison Cole, MD MS
• Anne Manicone, MD
• Benjamin Wilfond, MD
• Kelley Branch, MD, MS
• Cyril Engmann, MD, FAAP

The ITHS SSC was developed by the ITHS Participant and Clinical Interactions program, under the direction Jodi Smith, MD, MPH, Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Washington and an attending physician at Seattle Children’s. It continues under leadership of Kathy Tuttle, MD, and Allison Lambert, MD, both based at Providence Inland Northwest in Spokane, WA.

ITHS also offers clinical trials consulting through our Research Navigator and research support services such as the Research Coordination Core and the Recruitment Support Service.

For additional questions, email the ITHS Research Navigator: ithsnav@iths.org