Insights into an Award-Winning Summer Internship Program: The First Six Years

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Medical Education
• Physician-Scientist Training

Background:

• The American Center for Reproductive Medicine established a summer internship program in 2008.
• The program aims to inspire pre-medical and medical students towards physician-scientist careers.
• It focuses on reproductive research and scientific writing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the demographics, logistics, implementation, feedback, and results of the program's first six years.
• To provide a model for other institutions developing similar programs.
• To raise awareness among prospective physician-scientists about research opportunities.

Main Methods:

• Trainees received instruction in bench research and scientific writing from experts.
• Interns participated in 12 bench research projects.
• Interns collectively published 98 research articles.

Main Results:

• 114 students from 23 US states and 10 countries were trained.
• Interns developed research, writing, and soft skills (time management, communication).
• The program received three Scholarship in Teaching Awards from Case Western Reserve School of Medicine.

Conclusions:

• The program successfully trained students in reproductive research and writing.
• Graduates gained an appreciation for medical research's impact on patient care.
• The program serves as a valuable model for physician-scientist development and interdisciplinary collaboration.