The MD Research Distinction Track is a 6-unit elective course open to fourth-year medical students. The course is taught by Medical Student Research Program Director Marlys H. Witte, MD, Professor of Surgery.
Goals
- To enhance research awareness, skills and productivity in a continuum during medical school.
- To encourage students to value being at the forefront of medicine by becoming scientific physicians, as well as to help fill the gap in the decreasing numbers of translational physician-scientists.
- To design and implement a research proposal extensive and complete enough to allow the student to pursue a research topic from beginning to completion.
- To critically review journal articles and give medical students the opportunity to network and present their research.
- To demonstrate competence in the scientific method.
Course requirements
In order to earn elective credit, students must complete the following requirements.
- Submit a research proposal for review by the Medical Student Research Committee.
- Complete a minimum of 120 hours in the laboratory or otherwise engaged in the conduct of the approved research project.
- Participate in at least 8 elective-sponsored meetings or seminars by the end of Year IV. At least 2 of these 8 meetings must be presentations made by the student at "journal club" sessions.
- Upon completion of the research project, students also will be required to submit a full-length paper(minimum of 10 pages in length in standard journal format with illustrations, ideally ready for submission to a scientific journal) to the MSRC for approval.
- Submit an abstract to their student colleagues.
- Make a 30-minute presentation of their research.
How to apply
- Submit the brief Application of Intent to MSRP Coordinator Grace Wagner at grace@surgery.arizona.edu to set up an appointment with Program Director Dr. Marlys Witte.
- Print the Research Distinction Track Application form, or stop by AHSC room 4406 to pick up an application packet.
- If you are planning on continuing an MSRP project for the distinction track, you may submit the same proposal text with the RDT cover page and additional timeline information.
- Find a prospective mentor in the sponsor directory, or on your own. Set up an appointment with him or her.
- Before contacting your mentor, print two copies of the course outline (which includes a letter to faculty members).
- Keep one for yourself and give one to your mentor.
- If you and the mentor reach an agreement, complete the Research Distinction Track Application form and proposal. Submit these to the MSRP office.
- Enroll for Surgery/Interdepartmental Medicine 800A: Research Distinction Track through Student Records.
- Students can enroll in the program at any time.
- Look out for emails alerting you about seminars, journal clubs and other events that can be attended to help fulfill the requirements of the course.