Evaluation of a Summer Research Program for Medical Students on a Regional Medical Campus

Abstract

In 2015, the University of Minnesota Medical School Duluth campus implemented a summer research program for medical students between their first and second years of training. The goal of the Medical Student Summer Research Program is to provide support for students who wish to participate in research as part of their medical training and to provide support for faculty for their ongoing research. The program is not a required part of the curriculum and students self-select to participate. We have fostered relationships with faculty mentors from our institution, two regional hospitals, as well as external institutions to support this program. Here we report on attitudes and assessments about this program over the first seven years. Student surveys indicate that the amount of additional stress of taking on a research project is manageable, overall critical thinking skills and communication skills improved by participating in research, and a greater appreciation for the importance and relevance of research to their practice was developed. Faculty survey results indicate that the stress of mentoring is manageable and many faculty report deliverable outcomes such as publications and grant submissions after having mentored students, however there are still some faculty needs that must be addressed. The overall survey results, and the continued support from faculty as mentors, highlight the culture of respect for research, training, and service at the Medical School Duluth and the importance of having a dedicated and sustainable Medical Student Summer Research Program available to our students.