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Commitment to Scholarship

Commitment to Scholarship

The medical school curriculum and subsequent years of postgraduate training prepare you not only for the clinical practice of medicine, but also for a lifelong commitment to scholarship. Intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and the pursuit of new knowledge are foundational to becoming an effective physician. As a medical student, you have both the privilege and responsibility of contributing to a tradition of academic excellence established by those who came before you. From your very first day, it is essential to view yourself as a scholar and future leader in medicine, committed to advancing knowledge and improving patient care.

 

Office of Student Research

Visit: UMSOM Office of Student Research

The Office of Student Research (OSR) inspires the scientific curiosity of UMSOM students and trainees and facilitates rigorous research experiences to prepare evidence-driven clinicians, academic leaders, and scientific innovators.  

The OSR oversees all research education and research programming for UMSOM medical students, the MD/Masters dual-degree programs, year-out research programs and research electives. The OSR provides centralized access to resources about student research opportunities, funding, and awards. In addition, OSR faculty provide individualized research advising and support to all UMSOM medical students across a diverse array of research opportunities.

FRCT

Learn more about: Foundations of Research and Critical Thinking (FRCT) course

The Foundations of Research and Critical Thinking (FRCT) course is designed to provide all medical students with the necessary educational and practical tools to pursue a highly successful and productive career in clinical or academic medicine by stimulating critical thinking and enhancing intellectual acuity and inquisitiveness.

  • FRCT is a required medical school course for graduation.
  • The scholarly activity portion for FRCT provides students with an opportunity to engage in a meaningful research activity of their choice, under the guidance and supervision of their mentor and the OSR team.

Research Electives

Look more into: Research Electives (through OSR)

Students with a strong interest in research may pursue research electives experiences to gain new knowledge in a specific research or clinical area, or to deepen a student’s knowledge in a field of interest. Interested students are required to consult with the Office of Student Research and adhere to all applicable deadlines. 

Research electives can be applied towards graduation elective credit.

 

Year-Off Research

Gap time for Research

Participation in semester-long and year-long research experiences require a leave of absence from the traditional medical school curriculum. Many external programs offer a stipend or funding. These programs often start on or after July 1.

Students may pursue these experiences after the completion of the clerkship phase.  

  1. Contact the Office of Student Affairs (studentaffairs@som.umaryland.edu) early in the academic year to discuss options and seek approval.
    •  Letter of Good Academic Standing or a Dean’s Letter of Recommendation. 
    • Discuss impact of gap-time on academic milestones, graduation requirements and how the gap-time aligns with your goals 
  2. Strongly Recommend consultation with Office of Student Research (OSR)
    • Complete the Extended Research Interest Form early in the decision-making process 
    • Discuss potential funding sources and the selection of research sites and mentors.  
    • Research Letters of Reference (of applicable)
  3. Strongly Recommend consultation with Financial Services and Registrar
    • Discuss implications on budget, finances and impact on loans
    • Discuss registration timetables, transcript, in-state status, etc

Dual-Degrees

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We actively support students pursuing dual-degree opportunities through our internal programs, providing mentorship, academic guidance, and structured pathways to help integrate additional training with the medical curriculum.