HLA Research Masterclass
The HLA Research Masterclass is designed for those seeking to enhance their research skills in clinical settings. Participants will engage in a series of sessions covering various aspects of research, from methodologies to presenting findings.
Project Descriptions
Research Unit Formation:
Participants will be grouped into research units (1 supervisor to 2 students) to produce a research paper by the end of the masterclass.
Project Scope:
Each participant will work on a clinical research project leading to a publication. Research ideas must be submitted by Day 4, refined under supervision, and presented on Day 14.
Deliverables:
A full research manuscript ready for journal submission and a research presentation delivered during the final session.
Workshop Descriptions
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Systematic Literature Review Workshop: Learn how to formulate a research question and conduct comprehensive database searches.
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Meta-analysis Workshop: Hands-on training in using statistical software for data synthesis from multiple studies.
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Statistical Data Analysis Workshop (Parts 1 & 2): Practical sessions using R/SPSS for statistical analysis.
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Thematic Analysis Workshop: Techniques for conducting interviews and focus groups, followed by qualitative data analysis.
Course Schedule Breakdown
The HLA Research Masterclass is designed to equip aspiring researchers with essential skills and knowledge in clinical research methodologies, statistical analysis, and effective communication of research findings. This course spans 14 sessions, featuring a combination of theoretical insights, practical applications, and guest speaker contributions from leading experts in the field. Each session focuses on a specific topic relevant to medical research, providing participants with clear learning outcomes to ensure they develop the competencies necessary to excel in their academic and clinical pursuits.
Below is the detailed schedule outlining the session topics, dates, and corresponding learning outcomes:
No. | Session Title | Session Date | Learning Outcomes | Speaker |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Welcome & Introduction to the Course | April 26th, 2025 | Understand the structure, objectives, and expectations of the masterclass.
Identify roles of mentors and project supervisors.
Establish professional relationships with peers and supervisors.
Clarify key deadlines and assessment criteria for the course. | Dr Arian Arjomandi Rad and Dr Robert Vardanyan |
2 | Introduction to Clinical Research Methodology | May 10th, 2025 | Differentiate between various types of clinical research designs (RCTs, cohort studies, case-control studies).
Critically evaluate strengths and weaknesses of study designs.
Understand differences between qualitative and quantitative research methods.
Apply appropriate research methodologies to answer specific clinical questions. | Dr Robert Vardanyan |
3 | Systematic Literature Reviews | May 24th, 2025 | Formulate clear and answerable research questions.
Perform comprehensive literature searches using databases like PubMed and Cochrane.
Critically appraise existing literature for quality and relevance.
Develop a structured approach to conducting systematic literature reviews. | Dr Arian Arjomandi Rad |
4 | Writing and Publishing Research | June 28th, 2025 | Understand the structure of a scientific manuscript (Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion).
Identify key elements of authorship and contributor roles.
Navigate the peer review process from submission to publication.
Recognise ethical responsibilities in writing and publishing research. | Dr Robert Vardanyan |
5 | Meta-analysis | July 5th, 2025 | Understand the concept and purpose of meta-analysis in clinical research.
Select relevant studies for inclusion in a meta-analysis.
Perform basic meta-analyses using software tools (e.g., RevMan, R).
Interpret statistical outcomes from a meta-analysis and apply them to clinical decision-making. | Dr Arian Arjomandi Rad |
6 | Statistical Data Analysis – Part 1 | July 19th, 2025 | Understand basic statistical concepts (p-values, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing).
Use statistical software (R or SPSS) for basic statistical tests.
Analyze simple datasets and interpret outputs.
Apply appropriate statistical methods to answer research questions. | External TBC (Maastricht Academic Group) |
7 | Statistical Data Analysis – Part 2 | 16 August 2025 | Understand advanced statistical concepts (regression analysis, multivariable analysis).
Perform advanced statistical analyses using R or SPSS.
Interpret complex statistical outputs and apply them to research findings.
Make informed decisions about suitable statistical methods for specific data types. | External TBC (Maastricht Academic Group) |
8 | Thematic Analysis and Qualitative Research Methods | 30 August 2025 | Understand principles of qualitative research methods.
Develop skills in conducting interviews and focus groups.
Learn thematic analysis to identify key patterns in qualitative data.
Interpret and report qualitative findings in a structured way. | ASME |
9 | Advanced Meta-analysis | 27th September 2025 | Handle complex data and apply advanced meta-analysis techniques.
Use specialized software for advanced statistical modeling.
Understand the role of heterogeneity in meta-analysis.
Interpret advanced statistical results and apply them to broader clinical contexts. | Dr Arian Arjomandi Rad |
10 | Insights from Journal Editors & Academic Clinicians | 11th October 2025 | Gain insight into what journals look for in manuscripts.
Learn common pitfalls in the submission process.
Understand administrative processes of journals.
Apply tips for improving manuscript publication chances. | Dr. Peyman Sardari Nia |
11 | Academic Career Pathways | 25th October 2025 | Understand the career pathway of an academic clinician.
Learn to balance clinical work with research.
Gain insights into securing academic positions.
Identify opportunities for early-career clinicians to engage in research. | |
12 | Fundamentals of Clinical Trials | 8th November 2025 | Understand key components of clinical trial design (randomization, blinding).
Learn the process for ethical approval and securing funding.
Critically evaluate completed clinical trials.
Apply knowledge to design or contribute to a clinical trial. | Prof. Thanos Athanasiou |
13 | Fundamentals of Presenting Research | 22nd November 2025 | Learn principles of creating effective oral presentations.
Develop skills for designing engaging research posters.
Structure complex research findings into concise presentations.
Gain confidence in presenting research to a professional audience. | |
14 | Final Research Presentations | 6th December 2025 | Deliver a well-structured research presentation.
Communicate complex findings to peers and mentors.
Integrate constructive feedback to improve presentation skills.
Understand key elements of a successful research presentation. | Dr Robert Vardanyan and Dr Arian Arjomandi Rad |
Register for the Workshop Series
Join the HLA Research Masterclass to develop essential research skills for clinical settings. Gain insights into methodologies, data analysis, and presenting findings through interactive sessions. Register now to take the next step in your research journey!
Dr Arian Arjomandi Rad
Directors of Course:
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Dr Arian Arjomandi Rad is a Cardiothoracic National Trainee at Oxford and Research Director at The Healthcare Leadership Academy.
He graduated with MBBS and BSc (Hons) degrees from Imperial College London and undertook additional academic training at the University of Oxford as an Academic Foundation Doctor. He is currently pursuing a PhD at Maastricht University.
Dr Arjomandi Rad has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications across cardiothoracic surgery, healthcare leadership, and medical education. His academic and clinical interests are complemented by ongoing contributions to mentoring and professional development initiatives for medical trainees.
Dr Robert Vardanyan
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Dr Robert Vardanyan is a nationally appointed neurosurgical trainee in the Severn deanery. Graduated from Imperial College School of Medicine and Imperial College Business School, his professional life has been dedicated to excelling in academic neurosciences, operative neurosurgery, and surgical research.
He has achieved 50 publications and presented at more than 70 national and international academic forums, all whilst developing his clinical and operative abilities into a devoted neurosurgical resident.
Dr Johann Malawana
Johann, with over 15 years of leadership experience, founded Medics Academy and The Healthcare Leadership Academy (HLA) to address systemic issues in healthcare and support early-career development.
He is renowned for his role as the former chair of the Junior Doctors Committee of the British Medical Association and has held significant positions such as President of Barts and The London Students’ Association and University of London Medical Students’ Officer.
Johann played a pivotal role in negotiating improvements for junior doctors after the Modernising Medical Careers (MMC) crisis, including the Inter Deanery Transfer System. His leadership and advocacy led to appointments on the boards of the General Medical Council and the Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Board, representing medical students and junior doctors.