Scholarly Concentrations

What are Scholarly Concentrations?

Scholarly Concentrations (SC) are longitudinal programs of study that parallel the core medical curriculum and are designed to foster self-directed and experiential learning through mentorship. The SCs are optional curricular experiences that create an individualized academic experience for students to explore subjects (both medical and non-medical) in-depth beyond the conventional medical school curriculum. SCs involve an in-depth literature review and analysis of existing data in an area specifically chosen by students. In addition, SCs include a required, student-generated academic product (e.g. poster, formal presentation, written thesis, other).

Purpose and Goals:

The purpose of Scholarly Concentrations is to allow academic enhancement, skill development, and career exploration by cultivating habits of scholarly research and inquiry. Through individualized and self-directed learning paired with engaged mentorship, students participating in SCs will develop skills related to analytic, creative, and critical thinking to excel in areas of academic medicine, community-based practice, health care policy or emerging technologies with a goal of fostering curiosity, independence, leadership, and discovery.

Scholarly Concentration Areas:

Basic Biomedical Research
Population Health (subgroups: e.g., environmental health, sickle cell, cystic fibrosis, transplant, cancers, etc.)
Public Health, Advocacy and Community Engagement
Global Health
Medical Education
Women's Health

Completing the Program

Important Note:
For Distinction to be noted in your ERAS letter, all requirements
must be completed and registered to the Office of Medical Student
Research by August 1 of the year prior to your graduation.

LEVEL 1: NOTATION OF PARTICIPATION IN ERAS LETTERS

Declare a concentration with the Office of Medical Student Research by January 10 of M2 year (2027 for Class of 2029)
Complete Plan of Work
Submit a final report on accomplishments to the Office of Medical Student Research
Pass Evidence Based Medicine Course (Seg. 1 & 2)
Pass Step 1 and Step 2
Pass all rotations in M3

LEVEL 2: AWARD OF EXCELLENCE IN CONCENTRATION AREA

Complete all components of Level 1
Pass two concentration specific rotations in M4
Participate in 75%+ of additional activities scheduled in M3 and M4

LEVEL 3: DISTINCTION IN CONCENTRATION AREA

Complete all components of Level 2
Obtain honors in two concentration specific rotations in M4
Have at least one publication submitted to an appropriate journal, governing body, etc.