SOARinG to New Heights Through a Structured Medical Student Research Program.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Biomedical Research
• Residency Applications

Background:

• The USMLE Step 1 transitioning to Pass/Fail in 2022 necessitates alternative metrics for residency applications.
• Medical students require structured research experiences to enhance their competitiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development and implementation of a structured program supporting medical student research.
• To evaluate the program's initial outcomes and participant satisfaction.

Main Methods:

• Established the Student Opportunities for Academic Achievement Through Research in Greenville (SOARinG) Program for rising second-year medical students.
• Matched students with mentored summer research projects, including a seminar series and a culminating symposium.
• Collected quantitative and qualitative data via surveys to assess student and mentor satisfaction.

Main Results:

• Successfully implemented in summers 2021 and 2022, with 80-95% student participation.
• High student satisfaction reported (69% rated experience as extremely good or very good).
• Mentors indicated students were prepared but could benefit from additional skills-specific training.

Conclusions:

• The SOARinG Program formalized medical student research tracking and output.
• Increased student participation and generated objective research products, strengthening residency applications.