The Research Distinction Track offers fourth-year medical students the opportunity to explore medical research while attending medical school. This track is designed to engage medical students at the forefront of scientific medicine in their own research interests. Students in this track will:
- Critically review published medical literature
- Design and implement an extensive research proposal
- Author reports and publishable articles
- Experience the scientific method as a process, not an abstraction
Students who complete this distinction track are equipped to stand at the forefront of medicine as scientific physicians, contributing in meaningful ways to improving the quality of health care in our region, nation and world.
- Submit a research proposal for review by the Medical Student Research Committee.
- Complete a minimum of 240 extracurricular hours in the laboratory or otherwise engaged in the conduct of the approved research project if a continuation of an ongoing project or 400 extracurricular hours if a new project.
- Present at 2 MRSA journal club or Datablitz sessions
- Attend 6 additional elective-sponsored meetings or seminars, 2 of which may be attendance to MRSA journal club or Datablitz 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 and submit an abstract to their student colleagues. This will be followed by giving a 30-minute presentation of their research.
SURG 800A
Research Distinction Tracks
Grad Credits: 6
Year 4 Grad Credits: 6
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 Marlys Witte, MD
- Print the Research Distinction Track application form, or stop by Room 4402K or 4228, to pick up an application packet
- 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, and submit to the MSRP office
Contact
Director: Marlys Witte, MD
Program Manager: Grace Wagner
Coordinator: Graceann Thompson