Pediatric IDEAS Research Group Works Best With Creative Collaboration

The team of researchers behind the Pediatric IDEAS Research Group make use of a flat organizational structure to ensure the most collaborative and creative environment.

By Lindsey Klinger-O'Donnell and Dana Filippoli

Editor's Note: Clinical Futures nurtures many purpose-focused collaborations that work to close the research-to-practice gap to improve outcomes today and inform future best practices for tomorrow. One such group that we focus on is the Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Antimicrobial Stewardship (IDEAS) Research Group. Learn more about this group, its beginnings, and where the research is heading as we talk with Jeffrey Gerber, MD, PhD, Susan Coffin, MD, MPH, Kevin Downes, MD, Brian Fisher, DO, MSCE, MPH, and Katie Chiotos, MD, MSCE.

To an outsider, the casual, nonhierarchical tenor of Pediatric IDEAS Group meetings might feel more like a study group than a collaborative of expert clinician-researchers. But that structure — underlain by a shared passion for elevating pediatric infectious disease research and for inspiring others to do so — is central to this group's enduring success. IDEAS (Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Antimicrobial Stewardship), formally organized in 2016, resides within Clinical Futures, a Research Institute Center of Emphasis at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

"We do better work, we have better ideas, we have more fun, and we're more productive when we work alongside each other," explained Susan Coffin, MD, MPH, an attending physician in the Division of Infectious Diseases at CHOP, who co-founded the group in 2004. "We become particularly motivated to know what each other is working on, which elevates our own research."

IDEAS is now 24 members strong, and they want to expand, representing even more methods and infectious disease content areas. They look forward to providing a pathway for new trainees who are clinician-scientists, research coordinators, and project managers from CHOP and beyond. They welcome connections from other academic institutions who are exploring work in their research domains.

"We all run multicenter studies, and we are open to onboarding new sites," said IDEAS member Brian T. Fisher, DO, MSCE, MPH. "We are interested in hearing from others looking to synergize and collaborate on similar research projects."

Dr. Fisher is an associate professor of Pediatrics and Epidemiology in the Division of Infectious Diseases at CHOP, and he serves as the associate chair of research for the Department of Pediatrics.

Driven by a Focus on Meaningful Mentorship

IDEAS investigators work in the same clinical practice area and share commitments to the same standards and methodological rigor, yet they represent distinct areas of research. So, to ensure open discussion and remove barriers to coordination and knowledge exchange across research teams, IDEAS maintains a flat organizational structure. This approach has bolstered trust and creativity among members, who rely heavily on each other for idea vetting and peer review. It also has facilitated a culture that de-emphasizes authorship and rank, prioritizing quality and teamwork.

Prioritization of teamwork invites creativity and communication, which is especially beneficial for early career researchers. Because IDEAS investigators are passionate about inspiring others, they often invite mentees as collaborators. Investigators know that their responsibilities lie not only in conducting research and disseminating evidence but also in elevating clinical research and the field of pediatrics. They achieve these broader goals through mentorship, collaboration, and support.

"This group was a significant reason I came to CHOP," said Kevin Downes, MD, who joined IDEAS in 2015. He is an attending physician in the Division of Infectious Diseases. "We work a lot with fellows, students, and others to try to grow and emphasize infectious disease-focused clinical research, and we recognize that early career mentorship experiences are especially impactful for physician-scientists."

One success measure for IDEAS is career trajectory. Most current and past members commonly author important studies, lead sessions at prominent meetings, head guideline committees, and hold faculty positions. IDEAS members demonstrate long-term enthusiasm for research, professional growth, and achievement. They are dedicated to inspiring others to do research in the field of infectious disease, creating an infusion of highly skilled next-generation scientists for this rapidly expanding area of need.

IDEAS incubates investigators' passions to find evidence gaps, fill those gaps, and then accelerate care improvements, thanks to support from the Department of Pediatrics, and many others throughout CHOP. Clinical Futures Deputy Director Jeffrey Gerber, MD, PhD, MSCE, recognizes that many unseen individuals and departments bolster the group. IDEAS members benefit from CHOP Research Institute's infrastructure, research assistance, and business and administrative support.

"We are heavily reliant on others, and we are so fortunate to consider them as partners and benefit from their expertise," Dr. Gerber said. "Our organizational structure enables IDEAS team members at all levels to collaborate longitudinally and establish meaningful connections."

The IDEAS goals are clear: more brainpower, more passion, and more throughlines to deepen the evidence base and expedite infectious disease treatment and prevention.

Interested in collaborating? IDEAS wants to hear from students, clinicians, researchers, academic professionals, and others who share their passions. Send an email, or complete this student interest form.