The PGY5/6 years are dedicated to research, protected from clinical service responsibilities, for residents to pursue a variety of academic paths. Residents have performed basic science laboratory research, worked on cadaveric studies in our Spine Biomechanics Lab, or completed clinical outcomes research. The PRISM (Physician Researchers Innovating in Science and Medicine) program is unique to the Cleveland Clinic and allows residents to pursue an accelerated PhD during the PGY5/6 years.