Surgeon becomes first research training program graduate

Train-the-Trainer helps CORE faculty mentor resident researchers

Alison Clarey, D.O., A.C.O.S., program director of general surgery at Grandview Medical Center and an OU-COM associate clinical professor of surgery, is the first graduate of the CORE’s Train-the-Trainer in Research on-site program.

The program was designed to provide CORE clinical faculty with the opportunity to develop and strengthen their research skills.  It also provides them with basic clinical research skills to help them as they mentor residents in research.  CORE Research Director Grace Brannan, Ph.D., is recruiting participants for the next program, which will begin in July.

 Upon her graduation, Clarey discussed her experience with Brannan.

Grace Brannan: Why did you participate in this program?

Alison Clarey:   I have been a trainer in general surgery for over thirty years, but I never had any formal research training, mentors, or directors who could help me.  I looked forward to the project because I felt it would give me the knowledge and skills needed to do research so that I could help my residents as they did research.

How did you come up with your research idea?

When I met with [you] the first time, we reviewed what I did in surgery and what questions I might have about the results of what I did in surgery.  I picked an area where I was not sure what I was offering the patient was worthwhile and whether it was cost effective.

Did your outcomes change your current practice?

Yes, it did show what I was offering was minimally worthwhile, but it was not cost effective, so I have changed what I do.

How was the research process for you?

It appeared seamless.  It was done in small, easy-to-handle increments and led to a conclusion of the process, with a poster presentation at the state society meeting and a paper to be submitted to journals.  With your direction, both in personal meetings and in e-mails, the process was great and easy to follow.

What are the challenges?

Most of the time we, as physicians, say we don’t have enough time and we are too busy.  The process was done in small enough increments that it was not a huge amount of time, and I enjoyed doing it because I wanted to help the residents during their processes.  I wanted to get the skills and knowledge to be able to accomplish that.  I felt I shouldn’t expect the residents to do something that I don’t do.  The biggest challenge was to review the charts of patients, and I did this in the “down time” between surgeries.  I wanted to do the whole review myself and not delegate to any student or resident, which would have made it faster to finish.  I took several months doing this, and it went quickly and didn’t seem like a big burden at all.

What are your research recommendations to fellow program directors and attendings mentoring residents?

I would recommend this TTT program to get them started and involved in the process.  I think the residents like to see the attending involved in papers and poster presentations, and physicians will be able to better mentor them.

What are research projects you are currently involved in?

Our institution was involved in a global research project on virtual reality training using the Lap Mentor for training.  I am now gaining data just from our institution to get enough volume to make the project statistically significant for findings at my institution.  I am also involved with one of the residents on comparing the use of heated, humidified carbon dioxide in laparoscopic gastric bypasses to its nonuse by comparing the post operative pain in each group.

About the program

Train-the-Trainer in Research is a year-long, comprehensive, hands-on program intended to transform participants into research champions, actively engaged medical and educational researchers, and research mentors.  During this combined practical and academic program, participants experience the research process, from the development of a research question to analyzing data to presenting a poster.  For information about the program, contact Grace Brannan at 740-593-2325 or brannang@ohio.edu.

Participants who complete the program will be prepared to mentor, participate in, and conduct clinical and educational research projects. Experienced researchers may find that Train-the-Trainer in Research will broaden their base of knowledge, skills, and perspectives in the field of clinical and/or educational research.

About Alison Clarey, D.O., A.C.O.S.

A 2006 recipient of the OU-COM Phillips Medal of Service, Clarey received a CORE Master Faculty designation in 1986 and was named an honorary alumnae of Ohio University in 1998.

In October of 2010 she received the Distinguished Osteopathic Surgeon Orel F. Martin Award from the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons. Clarey is currently the general surgery program director at Grandview Medical Center and an OU-COM associate clinical professor of surgery.

She has held multiple national positions, including president of the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery from 1994 to 1995, and board member of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons since 1998. She was president of the Ohio Osteopathic Association from 1999 until 2000.

She earned her degree in osteopathic medicine at the College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery in Des Moines, Iowa, and received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan. She completed her internship and residency at Grandview Hospital, where she served as chief-of-staff in 1991 and 1992. She has a private practice in Dayton and is certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery.

Outside of the U.S., Clarey has volunteered for surgical missions in Sierra Leone, Madagascar, and most recently, Guatemala. She has volunteered with medical projects in Romania and South Africa. She also is the author of five works of fiction.