During the month of May, the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) graduate medical education (GME) programs created platforms for residents and fellows to showcase a key component of their training: research. 

From poster presentations to critical appraisal competitions, the events underscored a defining feature of UNR Med’s approach to GME — its deep commitment to cultivating physicians who are not only clinicians but also scholars, innovators and leaders in evidence-based medicine. 

A celebration of discovery: Resident Research Day 

This year, Resident Research Day brought together learners from across specialties to present original research in a dynamic and highly attended setting. Hosted by Farah Madhani-Lovely, M.D., MBA, assistant dean of clinical research, alongside UNR Med’s GME team, this year’s event at Renown Health saw an impressive turnout, with the auditorium filled wall-to-wall with posters and standing room only for oral presentations. 

The event highlighted the breadth of inquiry pursued by residents, from clinical investigations to emerging scientific questions. Madhani-Lovely emphasized that strong research presentations stem from curiosity — exploring new ideas, asking meaningful clinical questions and sharing findings with the broader medical community. 

She noted that medicine is a continuously evolving science, spanning the entire human lifespan, and that sharing research is critical to expanding understanding and improving patient care. By communicating discoveries, residents contribute to a collective knowledge base that ultimately benefits patients across disciplines. 

 

Among this year’s standout presenters was Bryan Vallejo, M.D., a second-year internal medicine resident, who was selected as the top presenter by faculty judges. 

Vallejo’s research focuses on hematologic premalignant conditions — an area with significant clinical implications. His work aims to better understand the complex factors driving these conditions and their potential progression. 

“The teaching and mentorship I received from the investigators I work with inspired me to pursue this specific area of research,” Vallejo said. “Their guidance, expertise and passion motivated me to dive deeper into this field.” 

For Vallejo, research is not only about discovery, but also about growth. Participating in Resident Research Day, he reflected, was both energizing and rewarding.  

“The audience was highly engaged during the presentations, and the questions participants received were very insightful and helpful in advancing our research,” he said. “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to represent internal medicine and honored to have been selected as the winner among so many outstanding projects.”

“I would not be where I am today as a physician without my experience as a researcher,” Vallejo said. 

Vallejo encourages fellow residents to seek out mentorship early, emphasizing that the right mentors play a crucial role in developing both skills and confidence. In his own journey, research has profoundly shaped his development as a physician — strengthening his ability to navigate complex clinical scenarios, communicate effectively and lead within health care teams. 

“I would not be where I am today as a physician without my experience as a researcher,” Vallejo said. “Research provided me with confidence, expertise and skills that have helped me navigate complex clinical situations. It also strengthened my ability to communicate ideas clearly, manage teams, and develop leadership skills, all of which are essential qualities for any physician.” 

Honing critical thinking: The Philip H. Goodman Competition 

In addition to original research presentations, UNR Med also hosted the Philip H. Goodman Competition — an event dedicated to critical appraisal, a cornerstone of evidence-based medicine. 

Unlike traditional research presentations, this competition challenges residents to select influential medical literature, analyze it critically and explain how it informs their clinical practice. The competition honors the legacy of Philip H. Goodman, M.D., a passionate advocate for resident education and scholarly rigor. 

Dr. Goodman joined UNR Med in 1983 and built a distinguished career as a physician‑educator and researcher. He encouraged residents to think critically, question assumptions and approach medicine with scientific rigor and curiosity. His interdisciplinary work and mentorship strengthened UNR Med’s commitment to evidence‑based practice and inspired trainees to see themselves as both scholars and physicians. The competition continues to reflect these values and his spirit of inquiry. 

“Opportunities like the Goodman Competition are incredibly valuable in shaping future physicians because they foster critical thinking, curiosity and scholarly rigor,” said Alicia Diaz-Thomas, M.D., MPH, senior associate dean of institutional and faculty affairs and one of this year’s faculty judges.

“Being part of learners’ professional journeys is one of the most meaningful aspects of my work,” Diaz-Thomas said.

By engaging deeply with research, residents strengthen their ability to evaluate data, ask thoughtful questions and translate findings into patient care. These skills foster both confidence and professionalism while reinforcing the principles of lifelong learning. 

Judges noted that the most compelling presentations clearly articulate purpose, demonstrate thoughtful study design and place findings in a meaningful clinical context. Equally important is the ability to engage an audience — anticipating questions, acknowledging limitations and communicating why the work matters. 

“Being part of learners’ professional journeys is one of the most meaningful aspects of my work,” Diaz-Thomas said. “Serving as a judge gave me the opportunity to see firsthand the innovation and dedication of our residents, along with the strength of the mentorship supporting them. It is encouraging to see our academic health center so deeply committed to inquiry, improvement and patient-centered care.” 

Applying research to patient care 

This year’s Goodman Competition winner, Natalie Osborn, M.D., a first-year pediatrics resident, exemplified these qualities. Her presentation examined influenza vaccine effectiveness among children with and without underlying medical conditions. 

For Osborn, the topic was deeply relevant to her daily practice. As a pediatrician in training, she regularly counsels families on vaccines. 

“Vaccines have become a major topic of public debate and I felt it was important for me as a child’s pediatrician to strengthen my ability to interpret research, translate it to how it may change my clinical practice, and guide families through the data,” Osborn said. 

Through her analysis, she strengthened her ability to critically evaluate research and apply it in clinical conversations. The study reinforced a key message she now shares with families: while vaccines may not prevent every illness, they provide critical protection against severe complications. 

“The best way to get started in research is finding what you are passionate about,” Osborn said. “For me, everything can be tied back to patient education and communication.” 

Osborn emphasized that meaningful research extends beyond laboratory work or large clinical trials and can include areas such as patient education, communication and qualitative studies. Learning how to critically appraise research, she said, has strengthened both her scholarship and clinical practice. 

“Dr. Goodman was a champion of resident research and journal clubs at UNR Med during his tenure as professor of internal medicine,” Osborn said. “He challenged residents to think deeper about medical research. I am honored to have been awarded the Philip H. Goodman Award in Resident Excellence in Critical Appraisal this year and receive financial support for my continued professional development through the Goodman family’s generous endowment.” 

Osborn’s remarks reflect the lasting impact of Goodman’s legacy — an influence that continues to shape the program today, thanks in large part to the Goodman family’s ongoing involvement and support.

“It has been a pleasure to work with the Goodman family and to witness the enthusiastic support they provide for this program,” said David L. Carlson, M.D., MDiv, associate dean of GME. “Throughout my tenure, members of the family have attended and been actively engaged in every annual competition. They are deeply appreciative that our residents and fellows have this opportunity, and their commitment has helped make the Goodman Competition a truly special event within our educational community.”

Osborn also credited faculty mentorship and institutional support for helping her succeed in the competition. 

“We have a very supportive learning environment at UNR Med and Renown Health,” Osborn said. “I am grateful for Dr. Shilpi Garg, my pediatrics residency associate program director, who took time after her clinical duties to help me polish and practice my presentation with her. I appreciate the support that allowed me the opportunity to represent myself, my program, and the spirit of the late Dr. Goodman well.”