Building a Physician-Scientist Pathway for Underrepresented Medical Students Through a Summer Research Experience

Andrea F Duncan; Liza Sukra; Alexandra Portugues; British Fields; Kiara Patton; Brenna Aredas; Angela M Ellison

doi:10.1097/ACM.0000000000005757

Building a Physician-Scientist Pathway for Underrepresented Medical Students Through a Summer Research Experience

Acad Med. 2024 May 10. doi: 10.1097/ACM.0000000000005757. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Andrea F Duncan¹, Liza Sukra², Alexandra Portugues³, British Fields⁴, Kiara Patton⁵, Brenna Aredas⁶, Angela M Ellison⁷

Affiliations

¹ A.F. Duncan is associate professor, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
² L. Sukra is a third-year medical student, St. George's University Medical School, Grenada, West Indies.
³ A. Portugues is a fifth-year MD-MPH student, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
⁴ B. Fields is a fourth-year medical student, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
⁵ K. Patton is a third-year medical student, Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Athens, Ohio.
⁶ B. Aredas is an enterprise improvement advisor, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
⁷ A.M. Ellison is associate professor, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perlman School of Medicine and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

PMID: 38728601
DOI: 10.1097/ACM.0000000000005757

Abstract

Problem: There is a need to increase the number of physician-scientists from underrepresented in medicine (URiM) groups. To engage URiM medical students, a committee of pediatric departmental leaders at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia created the Summer Underrepresented in Medicine Medical Student Research program. This 8-week, onsite research and clinical experience takes place during the summer between students' first and second years of medical school.

Approach: Applications were solicited between 2019-2023 through nationwide outreach to medical school deans and members of URiM student organizations. Accepted students were assigned a mentor to lead their research and clinical exposure. A curriculum highlighting aspects of academic medicine was developed. Students received a $3,000-$5,500 stipend for in-person participation. In 2020 and 2021, adjustments were made (e.g., virtual programming) to avoid interruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Outcomes: In the 2019-2023 application cycles, 298 students applied. Of 128 students who participated, 78 (61%) completed a postprogram survey. Students' survey feedback was positive. They indicated the program met expectations (mean rating = 1.3; scale: 1 = strongly agree to 5 = strongly disagree). Students reported they learned valuable information/skills (mean = 1.3) and that participation was worth time spent away from other responsibilities (mean = 1.3). The 2019 cohort (n = 12) achieved a 100% residency match rate. In addition, 4 (33%) of these students reported they are obtaining additional degrees or are performing research. After the program, many mentors continued to include students in their research projects.

Next steps: Next steps include incorporating a standardized, scored rubric for selecting applicants; adding 3 lead mentors, an executive committee, and a faculty advisory board; establishing earlier pathway programming (e.g., at elementary and middle school levels); continuing to track/support alumni throughout their careers; and pursuing federal funding to expand the program.