LCME virtual visit: Research opportunities abound for medical students

Many medical students come to Michigan with an interest in conducting research. Others find an interest in scientific inquiry during their studies to become a doctor. Whenever the research bug bites, the new medical student curriculum ensures they have a supportive environment to purse this endeavor.

Under the old curricular model, students often conducted a research project during the summer between their M1 and M2 years. Now, they have opportunities to do so anytime, especially during the branches phase of the curriculum (M3-M4 years), after they have completed their clinical clerkships.

Research is not mandatory, but a Capstone for Impact (CFI) project is required of all students, and many participate in research to fulfill this requirement. While many students had been participating in research activities, they now do so as part of their educational program. Some participate in formal research programs for additional years, or pursue a dual degree (master’s degree in clinical research, Ph.D.) or a 1 to 2-year fellowship.

Through the CFI, students have an abundant opportunity to take on society’s biggest challenges in health, health care and health system delivery, while still in medical school. An archive of recent CFI projects can be found at: https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/handle/2027.42/148158. Many involve research, including recent efforts to curb opioid prescriptions and misuse by patients. In addition, a new Capstone for Impact Showcase 2020 website features information about 120 CFI projects representing nearly 150 graduating UMMS students.

The Office of Medical Student Education has produced a 1-page informational flyer on “Research and IMPACT in the Medical School Curriculum,” and a series of brief videos on this topic, and others, that further explain important aspects of U-M’s medical education program.

The Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) — the group responsible for reaccreditation of the medical school’s M.D. degree — had planned to visit in April; however, the site visit was postponed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The LCME is planning a virtual site visit for July 8-10.

To learn more about the LCME self-study and upcoming site visit: https://medicine.umich.edu/medschool/about/lcme-self-study