June 2001 • Volume 7 • Number 6
Resident researcher: 'I enjoy it!'
Q&A
Damon Schanz, D.O., a third-year family practice resident at the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth, served as his site's principal investigator for the first "Just Do It" study (see "Just do it: Involve residents in family practice research"). Here are some of his thoughts.
Did the study provide you with any insights about research?
I have always been interested in research. I worked with several researchers at UT Southwestern and Texas A&M Medical School prior to entering medical school. I guess they stimulated my interest in research. This project, however, gave me direct insight into the workings of the internal review board.
Do you think it's important for residents to do research?
It's at the discretion of the resident. Some may not like the academia of research; others may enjoy it. I think it is good for the practice of medicine to ensure that residents can understand how research is performed and be able to sift through the countless journals and decide what is and what is not good research. I think the only way this can be achieved is with participation.
You say you want to continue doing research. Why?
I enjoy it! There is so much information yet to be gathered on how, why, when and if patients respond to certain drugs or treatments. It is not difficult information to obtain, and it can be beneficial in the future to other practicing physicians and the public.
Are you planning to write a paper on the "Just Do It" study results?
Yes, the results are too good not to publish. I think the main point is that not every patient needs an antibiotic. This can be proved by the overwhelmingly large amount of antibiotics that were prescribed.
Did the study results make you think about the way you treat febrile children? Will you do anything differently now?
I will definitely think about my prescribing habits when it comes to children. However, each child and physician encounter is different. If I believe they need an antibiotic, the study will not dissuade me.
FP Report is published by the AAFP News Department.
Copyright © 2001 by American Academy of Family Physicians.
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