Medical student research: a program of self-education

Student participation in research has traditionally been part of the academic program in American medical schools. A survey of student research in 115 U.S. medical schools showed that 74 percent had M.D./Ph.D. programs but that only about 0.6 percent of the students participated in them. Eighty percent had research programs not directed toward a Ph.D.; and although these involved only 6 percent of the students, the enthusiasm of the students for their research experience was very high. The University of Florida has long fostered medical student research. A survey of 1969--1978 participants in the Florida programs yielded a 74 percent endorsement of research as an important, positive educational experience, and nearly all agreed that a research option should be part of the medical school curriculum. Since research provides the students with an intellectually challenging, self-learning experience that they endorse enthusiastically and since there is small student participation, it seems timely to reassess the role of student research in the medical school curriculum.