Fostering scholarship in an accelerated three year medical school: faculty and student survey results

In order to create an extracurricular student research program, confidential online surveys were sent to 237 faculty, identifying potential research opportunities for interested students. Survey questions were developed by faculty and administrators in the student research working group to address whether faculty had research opportunities available, the type of research available, and time commitment expected of students. Questions were evaluated for face and content validity via review by faculty and administrative members of the student research working group. All faculty affiliated with the school were identified using the school’s learning management system. No changes were made to the survey initially, though after one year of faculty-student research, questions were added to address faculty satisfaction with student researchers. Additionally, surveys were sent to all current students (n=72). Survey questions were developed by faculty and administrators in the student research working group to address whether students had interest in extracurricular research, and informing students that participation in research requires mandatory ethics and compliance training. Questions were evaluated for face and content validity via review by the faculty and administrative members of the student research working group. No changes were made initially to the survey but after one year, questions were added which addressed student satisfaction with their research experience and the student research program in general.