Research Opportunities
Opportunity in Research
Student Research Position
Welcome to the Pediatric Research Experience Program (PREP) within the Department of Paediatric Emergency Medicine experiential learning program!
Purpose of the Position:
The purpose of PREP is to provide hands-on experience to students primarily in the paediatric emergency department (ED) at the Children’s Hospital in London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC). This involves supervised screening, enrollment, and data collection of several clinical research studies. Students are able to gain experience interacting with patients and their families who may be eligible for our studies as well as interacting with various members of the health care team. Students will gain experiential learning on the application of Health Canada Division 5’s components, the REDCap data collection platform, and Health Sciences Research Ethics Board application. They will have a unique opportunity to see firsthand how research is incorporated into the high volume and fast-paced clinical areas such as the ED.
Over the years, we have had over 100 students (undergraduate/graduate/medical school) involved in PREP. Our former students have been able to use the experience gained through this program for their medical/graduate school and CaRMS applications. There have been former students who have also obtained experience in presenting posters at scientific conferences and who have co-authored peer-reviewed publications and grants. These opportunities are reflective of the degree of investment the student has with the project.
Responsibilities and Activities:
The successful candidates will work under the direction of Dr. Naveen Poonai as a member of PREP at the Children's Hospital, LHSC.
There is a broad range of responsibilities with oversight from Dr. Poonai and the research team, with a focus on all dimensions of clinical studies. This includes day-to-day operations of clinical studies including:
• Screening and enrollment of participants
• Performing data collection including follow-up with enrolled participants
• Assuring that all clinical trial documentation (logging, signatures, and medical documentation) is in compliance with local, provincial, and Health Canada regulations.
*Students will be under direct supervision by the research team during the screening, consenting, and enrolment process. Supervisory parties include the principal investigator, research coordinator, and/or the research assistant.
Conditions & Environment:
Learners will be in the paediatric ED, adult ED, or one of the Children’s Hospital inpatient units (e.g., Mother Baby Unit). The location is dependent on the particular study. Learners will be partnered with a senior clinical research assistant or clinical research coordinator during in-person training. Evaluation and feedback will be provided on an ongoing basis, and a final evaluation will be provided upon completion of this learning experience by the principal investigator, research coordinator, and/or research assistant.
Time Commitment:
Will depend on the project assigned.
Learners are expected to attend a minimum of 4-6, 6-hour shifts per month to enhance information retention on study protocols and Division 5/Good Clinical Practices.
Typical ED shifts are scheduled from 11am-5pm or 5-11pm to ensure optimal exposure and are available 7 days per week. Note well that shifts scheduled at other units may have altered hours of operation.
There will be a 3-month probationary period beginning at the initiation of this learning experience to identify areas that require additional support.
Skills Experience:
We are seeking students who:
• Completed or are working towards a bachelor's degree in a health-related field or higher qualification (e.g., medical student, nursing student, etc.)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in written format, using general and scientific language
• Ability to work independently and make decisions.
• Good judgment, initiative, tact, and professional attitude in the workplace
• Adaptable, flexible, and resourceful
• Ability to multi-task
Experience working in an academic / hospital research environment will be considered valuable, but not necessary.
Thank you for your interest in being a part of PREP at the Department of Paediatrics Emergency Medicine learning program. If interested in this opportunity, please also email your cover letter and up-to-date CV to Patrick Siedlecki, Clinical Research Coordinator, Paediatric Emergency Medicine at Patrick.Siedlecki@lhsc.on.ca
