WORKSHOP ABSTRACT Objectives: New researchers often have difficulty moving from their clinical questions and topical passions to developing studies that are focused, valid and doable. We will explore strategies mentors can use to help them overcome common barriers. Content: This lecture-discussion-workshop aims to help mentors be more effective at helping clinicians and others new to research develop their own ideas into successful studies. We will discuss the common problems encountered by students, residents, fellows and new faculty members in planning and completing original research. We will identify and address the most common problems, including: identifying an engaging research topic, surveying what is known and what is needed, focusing a specific research question, selecting study designs and research methods, keeping the project within feasible scope, staying true to original intent and producing a product that meets the needs of an identified audience. The goal is to create a question that is researchable, a study that is doable, results that are publishable and expertise that leads to a sustainable program of inquiry. We will demonstrate and discuss tools to help organize interests into questions and projects. Participants will work in small groups to identify a new research idea and move systematically though the steps to develop it into a sound study. Applying principles of effective mentorship, we will outline a model for empowering curiosity. By sharing experiences with successes and failures, we will plot a course for navigating around landmines toward new horizons. The workshop facilitators include a veteran investigator, a mid-career academic family physician and a research fellow. Prerequisite Knowledge: Required - None. Desired - Experience mentoring research trainees and enthusiasm for empowering them to explore their ideas. Early career researchers are welcome. FMDRL_ID: 4138#LegacyPeerReviewed