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Five research navigation professionals collaborating in conference room.

Research Navigation & Education

Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or are simply getting started, the Research Navigation & Education team at Gundersen offers consultation and education to guide original research projects.

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Navigating the research process

Our Research Navigation & Education team works alongside faculty, residents and medical learners to create original research studies at Gundersen Health System. Through close collaboration and consultation, we’ll help guide your research project from ideation to dissemination. In addition, we facilitate learning opportunities for teams and individuals to expand and sharpen research skills.   

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internal-medicine-residents-holding-research-poster

Why research matters

Every day at Gundersen, researchers across disciplines seek to answer important questions to deepen their understanding of how we can best serve patients. Research helps our healthcare providers improve patient care, share ideas with colleagues and inform policy changes. As a rural health system, we have a unique opportunity to highlight trends and influence positive change for people in our communities. 

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an idea before I reach out?

Before meeting with us, it’s helpful to have a general idea of what you would like to pursue. Our senior research scientists, research navigators and biostatisticians are happy to discuss how to refine and scope your idea. We’ll also provide guidance on the steps and timeframe to complete your project.

How do I get started?

Please reach out to our Research Navigation & Education team to learn more or schedule a meeting. Email us or call (608) 775-7525.

What is the process after contacting your team?

After contacting Research Navigation & Education, our research navigator and senior research scientist will meet with you to review your idea. Depending on the type of study initiated, our team of experts can assist with developing a protocol to working through the Institutional Review Board (IRB) process, data retrieval, data analysis and dissemination. 

What kind of education is offered?

We provide research education programming for faculty, medical learners and residents through planned meetings, journal clubs, rotations or continuing medical education. We’re happy to discuss how we can help expand research skills or explore research ideas for your project, team or department.

Research Navigation & Education staff

Portrait of researcher Barb Bennie.
senior research scientist
Barb Bennie, PhD
Biostatistics
Portrait of reseracher Attila Kovacs.
Senior Research Scientist
Attila Kovacs, PhD
Research Operations
Kristin Swartz, Gundersen Research Navigation Senior Research Scientist.
Senior Research Scientist
Kristin Swartz, PhD
Research Education & Development
Portrait of research manager Alec Fitzsimmons.
Manager
Alec Fitzsimmons, MPH
Research Navigation
Since starting residency, I have been able to work with fellows, attendings, biostats, [research navigators], medical writers/editors, Medical Media and numerous other people involved in research at Gundersen to submit projects to the IRB for approval, publish abstracts to national journals, complete 2 academic day posters, present findings at national conferences, and have ongoing projects be developed for future investigations.

Through the fostering support of the Research Navigation department, a little bit of luck, and showing up and putting in the time to take full advantage of opportunities at Gundersen Health System, I have been able to take myself from a lost undergraduate student to an Internal Medicine resident physician who aspires to join the Hematology Oncology Fellowship and be a ‘lifer’ at Gundersen. I look forward to continuing to participate in medical education and research—both retrospective and prospective studies—as well as supporting clinical research as a principal investigator of clinical trials.
Portrait of doctor Jake Deviley.

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How to connect

Please contact us via email or phone to make your research project a reality.

Email us

1900 South Ave.
La Crosse, WI 54601

(608) 782-7300

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