Summer Research Training Program (SRTP) for UM Medical Students

Program Summary

The Summer Research Program provides supervised full-time research experiences for incoming medical students and those at any level of the four-year curriculum. The purpose of the program is: 1) to encourage students to consider the possibility of a career in biomedical or clinical research and/or academic medicine; and 2) to provide students with a realistic understanding of the medical research environment.

Supported by: The University of Maryland School of Medicine/Office of Student Research

Administered by: The University of Maryland School of Medicine/Office of Student Research

Faculty & Projects

Any member of the School of Medicine who is at least at the level of Assistant Professor and who has suitable research support may be a research mentor for a medical student. Students should consult with the Director prior to and during the choice of a mentor. A listing of many faculty members and their research at the School of Medicine is available on-line at the LifeSciences website, via the departmental websites on the OSR website and at the Faculty and Staff Resources website. Students will be advised of the appropriateness of one or more possible mentors.

Duration & Funding

The program offers full-time experience for 10 weeks during the summer, or other times during the year when deemed appropriate. A stipend (2010 level of $450/week) will be awarded on a competitive basis. The total stipend permitted to any student in this program from this and any other sources may not exceed the amount that would be awarded by the program alone.

Travel Awards

Travel awards to attend meetings are currently not available.

Contact Information

StudentResearch@som.umaryland.edu

Application Information

Application deadline: February 24, 2012.
Application documents have been recently updated. Please use the most up-to-date form for submission.

• Application Form (Updated on 12/21/2011)
• Application Instructions (Updated on 1/25/2012)
• Mentor Declaration (Updated on 1/25/2012)

Review of Applications

Applications are reviewed and the merit of the project is judged on the basis of: a) clearly stated objectives; b) presentation of sound methodology; c) appropriate plans for data analysis; d) rationale and significance of the research; and e) feasibility within the training period. The OSR may request an interview with the student and/or sponsor. Applicants may receive a written critique of his/her application.

Notification and Affirmation

Applicants are notified ~April 15 of the outcome of the review process. Applicants whose research is approved are expected to affirm acceptance of the traineeship within 10 days.

Requirements

Participation in the summer program includes required attendance at the Orientation program immediately after Memorial Day each year that includes a course on the Ethical & Responsible Conduct of Research, the Colloquium on Science series given by invited guests during the training period, and the Student Research Forum on August 6. Trainees are strongly encouraged to participate in Medical Student Research Day in the fall.

The Office of Student Research encourages all mentors to support presentation of high quality student papers at national scientific meetings and to acknowledge the source of student support in all publications.

All trainees are required to complete pre-training and post-training questionnaires, submit a scientific abstract for the forum, and submit a scientific report and narrative critique of summer activities. The scientific report and critique are to be submitted to the Office of Student Research within 30 days after the conclusion of summer activities.