Research In Practice Blog
Editor’s note:
This blog post originally appeared in the CHOP Research Institute’s Cornerstone Blog on April 22, 2024.
An important element of the mission of Clinical Futures is the dissemination of research findings and recommendations as clinical research resources to translate our research into practice. Through the use of evidence-based practices and guidelines, we work to improve the high value care delivered to children in the CHOP Network and across the nation. Clinical Futures nurtures many purpose-focused collaborations that work to close the research to practice gap to improve outcomes today and informs future best practices for tomorrow. One such group that we focus on in this Q&A is the Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Antimicrobial Stewardship (IDEAS) Research Group. Learn more about this group, its beginnings, and where the research is heading as we talk with Jeffrey Gerber, MD, PhD, Susan Coffin, MD, MPH, Kevin Downes, MD, Brian Fisher, DO, MSCE, MPH, and Kathleen Chiotos, MD, MSCE.
To an outsider, the casual, nonhierarchical tenor of Pediatric IDEAS Group meetings might feel more like a study group than a collaborative of expert clinician researchers. But, that structure—underlain by a shared passion for elevating pediatric infectious disease research and for inspiring others to do so—is central to this group’s enduring success. IDEAS (Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Antimicrobial Stewardship) was formally organized in 2016, and resides within Clinical Futures, a Research Institute Center of Emphasis at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Fostering Collaboration
“We do better work, we have better ideas, we have more fun, and we’re more productive when we work alongside each other,” explains Susan Coffin, MD, MPH, who co-founded the group in 2004, which is now 24 members strong. “We become particularly motivated to know what each other is working on, which elevates our own research.”
IDEAS investigators work in the same clinical practice area and share commitments to the same standards and methodological rigor, yet they represent very distinct areas of research. So, to ensure open discussion and remove barriers for coordination and knowledge exchange across research teams, IDEAS maintains a flat organizational structure. This approach has bolstered trust and creativity among members, who rely heavily on each other for idea-vetting and peer review. It has also facilitated a culture that de-emphasizes authorship and rank, and prioritizes quality and teamwork.
Driven By a Focus on Meaningful Mentorship
Prioritization of teamwork invites creativity and communication, which is especially beneficial for early-career researchers. Because IDEAS investigators are passionate about inspiring others, mentees are often brought in as collaborators. Investigators know that their responsibilities lie not only in conducting research and disseminating evidence, but also in elevating the field, clinical research, and pediatrics as a whole. These broader goals are achieved through mentorship, collaboration, and support.
Kevin Downes, MD, who joined IDEAS in 2015 shares, “This group was a significant reason I came to CHOP. We work a lot with fellows and students and others to try to grow and emphasize ID-focused clinical research, and we recognize that early-career mentorship experiences are especially impactful for physician scientists.”
One success measure for IDEAS is career trajectory—most current and past members commonly author important studies, lead sessions at prominent meetings, head guideline committees, and hold impressive faculty positions. IDEAS members all seem to demonstrate long-term enthusiasm for research, professional growth, and achievement. And, they dedicate themselves to inspiring others to do research in the field of ID, creating an infusion of highly skilled next-generation scientists for this rapidly expanding area of need.
IDEAS incubates investigators’ passions to find evidence gaps, fill those gaps, and then accelerate care improvements, thanks to support from the Research Institute, the Department of Pediatrics, and many others throughout the CHOP enterprise.
Clinical Futures Deputy director, Jeffrey Gerber, MD, PhD, recognizes that the group is bolstered by many unseen individuals and departments. IDEAS benefits from funding, infrastructure, research assistance, and business and administrative support. “We are heavily reliant on others, and we are so fortunate to consider them as partners and benefit from their expertise,” says Gerber. “And, our organizational structure enables IDEAS team members at all levels to collaborate longitudinally and establish meaningful connections.”
What’s Next for the Pediatric IDEAS Group?
Ultimately, IDEAS investigators want to expand, representing even more methods and ID content areas. They look forward to a pipeline of new trainees who are clinician scientists, research coordinators, project managers from CHOP and beyond. And, they welcome connections from other academic institutions who are exploring work in their research domains.
“We all run multi-center studies, and we are open to onboarding new sites,” says Brian Fisher, DO, MSCE, MPH. “We are interested in hearing from others looking to synergize and collaborate on similar research projects.”
The IDEAS goals are clear: more brainpower, more passion, and more throughlines to deepen the evidence base and to expedite infectious disease treatment and prevention.
Want to learn more? Visit their website. Interested in collaborating? IDEAS wants to hear from students, clinicians, researchers, academic professionals, and others who share their passions--email PedsIDEAS@chop.edu or complete this student interest form.