RIM structure and timelines

RIM unit objectives

RIM objectives have been created by the RIM Committee. The objectives are connected to the education outcomes as defined by the Faculty of Medicine and are mapped to meet the overall objectives of the curriculum map.

On completion of the RIM unit, students will be able to:

• Describe the role of health related research in: (a) informing clinical judgement, skills, and knowledge; (b) contributing to innovations to improve clinical care, health policy, medical education, and healthcare systems; and (c) supporting lifelong learning and professional development.
• Develop a working knowledge of: (a) approaches to research, a range of methods, and strategies for effective knowledge translation; (b) being a responsible user of scientific literature to appropriately draw inferences from evidence relevant to research or clinical practice; and (c) the social and ethical dimensions of research including issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion. (d) approaches to research and research ethics
• Complete a research/scholarly project in collaboration with a mentor including: (a) literature review; (b) generating a research questions; (c) developing a proposal; (d) developing research protocol; (e) conducting rigorous, ethical research/scholarship;
• Present results of their research/scholarly project in two formats: (a) an academic or professional presentation; and (b) an appropriate knowledge translation product (e.g. academic manuscript, infographic, quality improvement report, app, etc).

RIM begins in the first week of Med 1 and students are expected to meet all learning requirements by September of Med 4.

A completed RIM project includes the following components:

1. Mentor approved knowledge translation product
2. Presenting the RIM project in a mentor approved venue.
3. Completion of KT submission form signed by mentor
4. Completion of the final progress report on One45

This longitudinal approach to learning provides students with time and opportunities to design, develop and present or publish their research projects. As with every other aspect of medical education, students are expected to demonstrate appropriate professional attitudes with effective communication and productive relationships.

RIM mentors

RIM mentors are a critical piece of the RIM program, as students work closely with mentors throughout their time in medical school.

The role of the RIM mentor is to guide the student through the scientific method and to assist her/him to develop and refine research-related critical thinking skills. This strengthens the education of all physicians in training, including those who do not choose a medical career involving the conduction of health research. Mentoring in the RIM Unit is part of the established commitment of the Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine to provide comprehensive professional/career support to medical students.

Both students and mentors should seek out a partnership that will best meets their needs and compatibility. For example, some students are highly independent and/or have a lot of research experience and will work best with a mentor who is more “hands off.” Other students may require a lot of guidance and support – and not all mentors are willing or able to provide that.

It is important to consider compatibility when accepting a student. Students, mentors and directors should ensure from the start that expectations are realistic and achievable to avoid issues as the project progresses.

If you are a faculty member who is interested in being a RIM mentor, please contact rim@dal.ca.