MD Research Scholars

The Geisel School of Medicine Community of Scholars Program
Structured Support for Medical Student Research &
MD Research Scholars Program

Framework: The Geisel MD Research Scholars Program, established in honor of Dean Emeritus Duane Compton, is a pre-eminent, selective, non-degree-granting research program at the Geisel School of Medicine. The MD Research Scholars Program is one pillar of Geisel’s Community of Scholars Program. The Geisel MD Research Scholars will build on Geisel’s broad-based interdisciplinary research education curriculum by providing advanced research training for the most promising Geisel students, to be designated MD Research Scholars. Upon Dean Compton’s retirement, the program will be renamed as the Compton Research Scholars program.

1. Application and requirements

  1. Students apply for MD scholars in Aug after M1, all current M2 students will be emailed application details in M2 summer
  2. Selection of MD scholars is September of M2 year
  3. 5-10 selected students per year - M2 students are the only eligible group
  4. Expectation for engagement in research during the M1 summer as a requirement for the program

2. MD Research Scholars curriculum

  1. Mentoring, dics begin in M2, September.
  2. Monthly evening meetings 90 min - 80% in-person attendance mandatory for M2 students
  3. Identification of a formal research mentor (if not already identified)
  4. Continue with research during M2 year as able

3. Longitudinal intensive experience

  1. M3 year – continue meetings if able, with mentoring primarily, zoom/phone, continue research as able
  2. Option of taking a scholar year between M3 and M4 for more intensive and focused research
  3. M4 year – continue longitudinal, intensive research experience featuring 2-4 week elective time mentoring, and statistical support for completion of student projects

4. Benefits of participation

  1. Fulfills the research requirement for graduation
  2. Presentation of research findings at department-specific grand rounds
  3. Funding for travel to one external conference presentation ($1500 maximum)

5. Recognition for residency applications 

  1. Designation as an MD Research Scholar on Geisel diploma

Questions, please contact the medical student research office at medical.student.research@darmouth.edu