An Evaluation of the SCORE Program: A Novel Research and Mentoring Program for Medical Students in Obstetrics/Gynecology and Otolaryngology

Perm J. 2020:24:19.153. doi: 10.7812/TPP/19.153. Epub 2020 Apr 16.

Abstract

Background: There has been a steady decrease in the number of physician-scientists and a lack of diversity and inclusion of underrepresented minorities (URMs) in medicine.

Objective: To assess the research productivity, interest, and experience of medical students, including URMs, and resident and faculty mentors of the Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center's 8-week, intensive, mentored Summer Clinical Otolaryngology and Obstetrics/Gynecology Research (SCORE) Program for second-year medical students.

Methods: A database of SCORE Program research projects was generated from 2016, when the program was launched, through 2018. SCORE Program students and faculty completed a brief, mixed-methods, anonymous exit survey that captured respondents' experiences, perceived program strengths, and opportunities for improvement. The number of peer-reviewed manuscripts produced were counted.

Results: A total of 16 SCORE Program students (50% female and 38% URMs) between 2016 and 2018 and 8 residents and 8 faculty members in 2018 completed a brief, mixed-methods, anonymous exit survey that captured respondents' experiences, perceived program strengths, and opportunities for improvement. The medical students coauthored 12 published peer-reviewed articles, 25 abstracts or national posters, and 1 opinion editorial. According to the program's annual exit survey, 87% of students reported an increased interest in pursuing research, 93% had an increased interest in their respective specialties, and 93% believed they had positive mentorship experiences. Similarly, faculty and residents enjoyed mentoring students, thought that students positively contributed to their projects, and would support the SCORE Program in the future.

Conclusion: Structured research and mentoring experiences, such as the SCORE Program, may encourage students, including URMs, to pursue research throughout their careers in addition to adding research to their curriculum vitae to strengthen their residency applications.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Gynecology* / education
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mentoring*
  • Mentors
  • Obstetrics* / education
  • Otolaryngology*
  • Program Evaluation
  • Students, Medical*