<\/p>\n
The sole objective of the first year is to master the basics of research: from asking the right questions and selecting the proper methodology all the way to the first publication, in a total of four consecutive phases<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Phase I \u2013 Question \u2022 Planning<\/strong>: identifying and refining the key research question and creating a project plan; drafting the PhD thesis outline; mastering the HDS-TM methodology; launching data collection.<\/p>\n Phase II \u2013 Communication \u2022 Results<\/strong>: article-writing techniques, professional scientific communication, critical interpretation of results; completing the research and presenting the findings.<\/p>\n Phase III \u2013 Learning by Doing<\/strong>: personal meetings with leading researchers; finishing the search\/data-aggregation work and reporting the progress achieved.<\/p>\n Phase IV \u2013 First publication<\/strong>: writing and finalising the first paper, then presenting the results at the progress report.<\/p>\n In Year I<\/strong> students devote four days a week<\/strong> to scientific work (meta-analyses, registry building, clinical trials) and only one day<\/strong> to residency duties and teaching. Every phase ends with a mandatory progress report<\/strong> where advancement must be demonstrated.<\/p>\n From Year II<\/strong> onward the focus is reversed: students work in the clinic on four days<\/strong> each week and have one protected day<\/strong> for research, now with greater independence.<\/p>\n