The establishment of the Irish Trainee Emergency Research Network (ITERN)

It is well understood that research is a core part of Emergency Medicine (EM) training and the continuous professional development (CPD) of all doctors. Through a solid grounding in research, EM doctors can both contribute to, and remain up to date with, evidence-based practice. Research involvement during training is likely to promote future research engagement as consultants, and professional medical bodies view research as an important component of maintaining professional competence. However, time constraints, a lack of expertise in research methods and constant movement of trainees between sites can make it difficult to undertake high quality research during training. Additionally, if research is undertaken in single centres, it can result in studies with limited patient numbers, lack of generalisability and the introduction of biases. In Ireland, it is generally accepted that most specialities require a higher degree or certainly evidence of involvement and experience in research projects to progress into advanced specialty training. For some however, it may be perceived as a means to an end, with some not truly benefitting from it, or maintaining an active meaningful research interest into their consultant career.