A Comprehensive Research Curriculum to Prepare Physician-Investigators: Design, Implementation and Early Outcomes

The Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine (CCLCM) was established as one of three tracks in the Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) School of Medicine Program to prepare physician investigators through rigorous, comprehensive, longitudinal research training in a five-year undergraduate medical education setting. The curriculum includes specific research activities and dedicated research time, which culminates in a masterslevel thesis. The track has an administrative structure to facilitate student access to research-related opportunities. Basic scientists and clinicians participate in all curricular activities thereby fostering communication across the clinical medicine/research divide. The track features a centralized, portfolio-based assessment system. In this track, students submit portfolios to demonstrate their progress toward mastering nine competencies including research. A comprehensive program evaluation is in place to monitor the curricular impact on students. Results show that the CCLCM track has attracted a subset of students interested in research careers. Two cohorts of students ( n = 56) have graduated. The Promotions Committee determined that all graduates successfully met the performance standards for the research competency. These graduates scored above mean USMLE Step 1 subscores in biostatistics and epidemiology. They successfully completed a research thesis where approximately 60% of the topics addressed basic science and translational research. Over 40% of graduates also obtained a masters degree concurrently with their medical degrees. Furthermore, 23% of CCLCM graduates received competitive awards to support their medical school research activities. Recommendations are included to expose students to research in multiple venues to create and sustain a passion for rigorous problem-solving Conclusions offer lessons learned from our experience.