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 (LCME Element 3.2). 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. Competitive selection process late Summer after M1

  1. All MD students learn research basic skills in Pop Health in M1 (required curriculum)
  2. Students apply for MD scholars in July after M1
  3. Expectation for engagement in research during the summer as a requirement for the program
  4. Selection of MD scholars is August of M2 year
  5. 5-10 students per year, small cohort

2. MD Research Scholars Curriculum: Structured curriculum begins Fall of M2

  1. Mentoring, didactics begin in M2, September.
  2. Monthly meetings 60 minutes - Some structured didactics, some journal clubs (1 each per month)
  3. Senior level students expected to lead one journal club during their M4 year
  4. Identification of a formal research mentor (if not already identified)
  5. Continue with research during M2 year as able

*Current M3 students would be invited to apply for the MD Scholars Program at the conclusion of the summer of 2025 with the expected benefits of the program in the M3/M4 years

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

Present the focused research project completed during the fourth year, at Capstone Day

  1. Fulfills the research requirement for graduation
  2. Presentation of research findings at department-specific grand rounds
  3. Full funding for travel to external conference presentation

4. Recognition for residency applications :

  1. Recognition for applications: Would be able to note this on application to residency
  2. Designation as an MD Research Scholar on Geisel diploma

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