Development and evaluation of a one-month research track in emergency medicine for medical students

We present our experience with the development and evaluation of a one-month research track in emergency medicine for medical students. The curriculum includes reading and problem-solving in research methods, biostatistics, and design (80 hours); data collection in one or more of the ongoing studies in the department (usually chart review--40 to 60 hours); one major literature search using Index Medicus and Science Citation Index (20 to 40 hours); and participation in all research-related meetings in the Division, as well as the hospital's Institutional Review Board. Evaluation of the student is done by a pretest and final exam covering the topics of the readings. Pre- and post-testing demonstrated increased understanding of basic research concepts and the use of statistics.