DHSc faculty, who are clinicians, researchers, administrators, and educators, share advice and important aspects to consider when embarking on a research project: identifying a knowledge gap, problem, and/or research question, ensuring the topic is feasible, and selecting a research team.
1. Select a Sustainable Topic That You Are Well-Informed On
“Ensure that your topic is one that you really care about and are excited about pursuing. You’re going to spend countless hours examining every aspect of that topic, and doing so is much easier when it’s something you’re passionate about.”
- Anthony R. Artino, Jr., PhD
“Truly have interest and passion in your topic because it takes so much time and effort to complete the project.”
- Lisa Paganotti, PhD, PA-C
“A topic that will sustain your interest must be relevant to your current responsibilities and environment. Though, be sure it is a topic on which you are an expert. Having a personal interest in a topic does not necessarily equate to expertise!”
- Joyce Maring, EdD, DPT, PT
“When you are leading the team, your enthusiasm about the topic will need to carry everyone through the eventual times when the work is tedious and boring.”
- Skip Gill, DSc, PT
“Spending so much time and energy on something that doesn’t interest you can be exhausting and stressful.”
- Michelle Rumble, DNP, RN, MPH
“Setbacks don’t feel as daunting when your topic piques your curiosity.”
- Donal Murray, PhD
“Develop a solid and broad foundation of knowledge before trying to answer a question. In the context of a medical diagnosis, you will not reach the correct answer if you do not think of it first.”
- Patricia Goldblatt, MD
2. Consider the Feasibility of the Research Topic
“Be sure you have access to the necessary resources to conduct the research (for example, the population you want to recruit, the data you need to collect).”
- Joyce Maring, EdD, DPT, PT
“Consider whether the project is feasible given your current context. Give consideration to the resources available to you (for example, time, study population, technology).”
- Ellen Costello, PT, PhD
“Consider whether the research question is narrowed enough to be answered in a single study or if it may take multiple studies to answer the question.”
- David Scalzitti, PhD, PT
“Be realistic about what you can accomplish and answer your question one small step at a time.”
- Donal Murray, PhD
3. Identify Your Research Team
“Select the right team for the journey. You will want to choose individuals who can not only contribute to the project’s content, but who you can work with successfully. Reflect on how you work best and select a team that aligns."
- Michelle Rumble, DNP, RN, MPH
“A critical step is figuring out who you are going to bring in on the project.”
- Skip Gill, DSc, PT
Leaders must be informed and systematic, make decisions based on evidence, and communicate results and decisions effectively. The DHSc Leadership in Clinical Practice and Education program incorporates high-quality research projects and interprofessional collaboration in order to tap into the skills required of leadership positions.