Experience with providing research opportunities for medical students

The purpose of the program described was to provide research training experience at the Mayo Medical School for third-year students. It was hoped the students would learn sound research principles, develop skills in evaluating research literature, and, while developing an area of expertise, enhance their self-image in relation to research. Faculty members were asked to participate as advisers/preceptors and to provide laboratory support for students. Surveys of the students' attitudes have shown very positive feelings concerning their research accomplishments and the value of the time they spent doing the research. Results in terms of numbers of papers written, published, and presented at meetings by the students indicate that the program is making a worthwhile contribution to the curriculum of the medical school.