The mentored experience to enhance opportunities in research (METEOR) program

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Health Disparities Research
• Translational Science

Background:

• Medical students from underrepresented groups pursue research careers less often than their white peers.
• Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) institutions aim to increase research engagement among these students.
• Mentored summer research opportunities are encouraged to motivate students toward research-integrated careers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the Mentored Experience To Enhance Opportunities in Research (METEOR) Program.
• To evaluate the scholarly output and participant experiences within the METEOR Program.
• To inform the design of future mentored research programs for underrepresented medical students.

Main Methods:

• The METEOR Program, established in 2012, provides support throughout medical school, not just a single summer.
• Partnership between the Clinical and Translational Science Institute at Children's National (CTSI-CN) and The George Washington University (GW) School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
• Utilized Social Cognitive Career Theory constructs to analyze interview data.

Main Results:

• Participants produced 23 empirical research articles, 5 review articles, 8 case reports, and numerous presentations.
• Mentorship was identified as a crucial element for participant success.
• Pre-medical school campus visits, cohort cohesion, lectures, and field trips enhanced the overall experience.

Conclusions:

• Findings will guide improvements for future METEOR Program cohorts.
• The program's structure may serve as a model for similar initiatives.
• Quantitative studies are planned to further assess program effectiveness with increased enrollment.