A proven template for providing streamlined, scalable, cost-effective clinical research opportunities in osteopathic medical schools.

Abstract

Context: In an era in which clinical research plays a crucial role in advancing medical knowledge and contributing to the resume of medical students attempting to match into a residency, the creation of sustainable and effective research opportunities within medical education is paramount. Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (COMs) face unique challenges in creating these opportunities in a scalable and cost-efficient manner. Without these opportunities, osteopathic medical students may find themselves at a disadvantage compared to their allopathic counterparts in residency placements and academic career paths.

Objectives: We have created a template for providing perpetual, streamlined, scalable, cost-effective clinical research at our institution, and we believe that it can be implemented at other COMs. This abstract describes our research template and its outcomes.

Methods: Our template for creating clinical research opportunities has been in operation for the past 3 years. All of our studies are structured as retrospective analyses of data obtained from the electronic medical records of patients admitted to the hospital over a specific time frame. Initially, a broad-based research proposal is submitted to the hospital Institutional Review Board (IRB) on a particular topic. From this, multiple initial IRB research projects are generated. First- and second-year medical students go through a standardized application and onboarding process prior to participation in research. Students are then subdivided into research groups of four students each. Each research group is assigned a research topic and a faculty mentor who will help them navigate through the research project.

Results: Since 2022, a total of 295 medical students have participated in clinical research through this model, supported by 11 faculty research mentors. Across four completed research cycles, 64 projects have been conducted, resulting in 62 poster presentations (97 %), 15 peer-reviewed publications (23 %), and 6 additional manuscripts (9 %) currently under review.

Conclusions: Clinical research opportunities at COMs are needed now more than ever before. Over the past 3 years, our clinical research template has been proven to provide perpetual, streamlined, scalable, cost-effective clinical research. We believe that our template can be utilized to provide increased clinical research opportunities at other COMs.