Virtual Research Groups Increase Research Opportunity for Trainees: Evaluation of the MGH Radiology Research Training Collaborative

Virtual communication has enabled distant research collaboration. The Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Radiology Research Training collaborative brought multi-institutional students, residents, and faculty to engage in research. In this survey study, we evaluated the efficacy and participant perception of the research collaborative.Participants were recruited from medical schools, Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) and American College of Radiology (ACR) affiliated radiology interest groups. Trainees met virtually since March 2020. An IRB-approved survey evaluated participant demographics, research experience, and radiology interest.84 out of 176 (47.7%) in the email list responded. 88% (74/84) of respondents in the US. 46.4% (39/84) were medical students, 27% (23/84) residents, 3.6% (3/84) faculty who were previously participating as residents, 7.1% (6/84) undergraduate, 9.5% (8/84) International Medical Graduates (IMG's) and 6% (5/84) were researchers(PhD). 89% (73/82) stated that the collaborative provided an opportunity to perform research, 80.5% (66/82) reported that it lowers the barrier to finding mentorship, and 79% (63/80) agreed that it lowers the authority gradient between mentors and mentees. 77.5% (62/80) were satisfied with the overall experience and 54.3% (44/81) rated it as very to extremely helpful in their career. Participants reported increased comfort to perform research and exposure to radiology. During 2020-2022, participants reported 58 new manuscript publications, 67 paper submissions, 74 abstract submissions and 48 abstract presentations.The virtual research collaboration demonstrated research productivity and exposure to radiology. Given its low cost, this may provide a method to generate and sustain trainee research interest and training while being academically productive.