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A Student-Led Database and Mentorship Model for Facilitating High Quality Research
Medical students' involvement in research is crucial for their professional development, yet challenges often hinder their access to meaningful opportunities. Mentorship and connection with research personnel enhance student research involvement, but facilitating these connections poses a common obstacle for students. A committee comprising six medical students and four faculty advisors created a cutting-edge Microsoft database, compiling contact details, areas of expertise, and projects of researchers open to mentoring medical students. This platform serves as a bridge, connecting faculty needing research assistance with students seeking experience. Powered through the Microsoft Universe, it empowers students to select mentors aligned with their objectives and skills. The committee also crafted student researcher online profiles, illuminating the pathways of success for underclassmen. Moreover, in-person mentorship sessions led by upperclassmen became hubs of knowledge exchange by imparting research skills and insider insight. Emphasizing continuous improvement, the committee embraced feedback loops and surveys, including collaborative efforts with faculty-administered surveys, to capture the nuanced perspectives of students on the accessibility of research. The creation of a Microsoft database, mentorship sessions, and student researcher profiles has generated a catalog of over fifty established researchers eager to mentor students. A list of 45 projects across six different departments has been compiled, each spearheaded by a faculty member who is ready to invest in student success. Three student-led mentorship sessions have been held, covering topics such as research methodology and its impact on specialty choice, with plans to continue events monthly. Surveys indicated all attendees found the events beneficial and hoped to attend more. Additionally, nearly 20 student researcher profiles have been published on an institution-associated website, promoting collaboration and transparency. Profiles include contact details, enabling other students to have increased approaches to research-based networking and knowledge. Three avenues, a Microsoft Universe powered database, student-led mentorship sessions, and student research profiles, each offer a unique route of mentorship that together make medical student research easier to navigate. The database distinctly connects students and faculty, fostering long-lasting relationships with added faculty expertise. Mentorship sessions allow upperclassmen to disburse insight to a large group, while student profiles promote one-on-one mentorship, encouraging conversation and tailored collaboration. Together, these three cornerstones, each offering a unique form of mentorship, synchronize to create a strong foundation for medical students to navigate and succeed in research.