Research, Ethics, and Professionalism
Research literacy
Understand study designs: randomized controlled trials as the strongest for causal inference, cohort and case-control designs for observational questions, and the meaning of bias (selection, information, confounding). Know levels of evidence and the difference between statistical significance and clinical significance. Understand informed consent elements, equipoise, and the role of institutional review boards.
Ethics and professionalism
Core principles: autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice. Know how to handle conflicts of interest, confidentiality, and end-of-life discussions. Recognize that shared decision-making respects autonomy while informing the patient. Understand that professionalism includes honesty in reporting, appropriate referral, and managing impaired colleagues through proper channels.
Traps
Common traps: confusing statistical significance with clinical importance; assuming a surrogate endpoint (e.g., response rate) equals survival benefit; and mishandling a conflict-of-interest scenario by disclosure alone when recusal is needed. Another trap is treating informed consent as a signature rather than a process.
Rule of thumb
For ethics items, identify the principle at stake and the least coercive action that preserves autonomy. Example: a patient declines recommended surgery after full discussion-respect the decision and document the process; do not override it. For research items, ask whether the design supports the claim being made.