Health & Environmental Research Online (HERO)


Print Feedback Export to File
3151153 
Journal Article 
Impact of Professional Student Mentored Research Fellowship on Medical Education and Academic Medicine Career Path 
Areephanthu, CJ; Bole, R; Stratton, T; Kelly, TH; Starnes, CP; Sawaya, BP 
2015 
Yes 
Clinical and Translational Science
ISSN: 1752-8054 
8 
5 
479-483 
English 
25996460 
CONTEXT: This study explores the long-term impact of the Professional Student Mentored Research Fellowship (PSMRF) program at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine (UKCOM) on medical students' research productivity and career paths.

METHODS: Demographic characteristics, academic profiles, number of publications and residency placements from 2007 to 2012 were used to assess 119 PSMRF graduates against a comparison cohort of 898 UKCOM (non-PSMRF) students.

RESULTS: PSMRF students had higher MCAT scores at admission (31.5 ± 0.6 vs. 30.6 ± 0.2, p = 0.007) and achieved higher USMLE Step 1 scores (228 ± 4.2 vs. 223 ± 1.5, p = 0.03) than comparison group. PSMRF students were more likely to publish PubMed-indexed papers (36.7% vs. 17.9%, p < 0.0001), achieve AOA status (19.3% vs. 8.5%, p = 0.0002) and match to top 25 US News and World Report residency programs (23.4% vs. 12.1%, p = 0.008). A greater proportion of PSMRF fellows matched to top tier competitive specialties (23% vs. 14.2%, p = 0.07), however this difference was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS: The PSMRF program shows a significant increase in enrollment, as well as positive associations with indicators of success in medical school and subsequent quality of residency program.