This elective focuses on the planning, development, and/or execution of a research project as a means of understanding the entire research process in depth. The course stresses the integration of research into medical practice. Appropriate readings and periodic discussions will be used to augment the guided project development effort. The ultimate goal of this elective is to complete and publish one paper in a peer-reviewed journal, or present the student's work in an appropriate research forum.

Students also attend all regular weekly Emergency Medicine resident and student conferences during the elective. Students' duty schedules are adjusted to accommodate these educational sessions.