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A multifaceted program to encourage medical students' research.
1The Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA. karen.zier@mssm.edu
Summary
Early exposure to research opportunities motivates medical students. A dedicated office at Mount Sinai School of Medicine increased student participation and publications, potentially reversing a national decline in physician-scientists.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Research Training
- Physician-Scientist Development
Background:
- The number of physicians applying for National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants has declined.
- Clinician-scientists are crucial for addressing patient-centered research needs.
- Early introduction of medical students to research is vital to counter this trend.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the establishment and impact of the Office of Student Research Opportunities (OSRO) at Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
- To assess the effectiveness of OSRO in stimulating medical student engagement in research.
- To evaluate the influence of research opportunities on student publications and participation.
Main Methods:
- Establishment of the Office of Student Research Opportunities (OSRO) in 1995.
- Implementation of programs including student advising, faculty mentorship identification, research programs, and funding.
- Tracking student participation in research day and publication numbers from graduating classes.
Main Results:
- Student participation in research day increased from 18 (1997) to 74 (2000).
- Publications by graduating classes rose from 34 (1997) to 58 (1999).
- Both basic and clinical research projects were presented by student participants.
Conclusions:
- Medical students can be motivated to conduct research with administrative and faculty support.
- The OSRO model shows success in increasing student research engagement and output.
- These findings suggest a potential strategy to reverse the decline in physician-scientists.