Required Scholarly Project:

The Required Scholarly Project (RSP) was designed to provide medical students the opportunity to become engaged in hypothesis-driven research to promote analytical thinking skills and ultimately, physician leaders. The aim of the RSP is to expose students to the process of scientific inquiry, teaching them how to formulate an answerable question and the requisite methodology in seeking appropriate answers. Each student undertakes a faculty mentored research project in a discipline of his or her choice. Viable disciplines encompass a wide spectrum to include: biomedical research, from discover to application and healthcare, i.e., basic science, clinical, educational, behavioral science, health services, community and epidemiological activities. The RSP is interwoven with the curriculum, which includes didactic instruction on topics such as study design and biostatistics. The RSP is a longitudinal experience, with successful completion being required for graduation. Students with projects deemed meritorious by the RSP steering committee will receive “Distinction in Research” recognition at graduation. 

Responsibilities of a RSP Mentor

The responsibilities of an RSP Mentor include:

1.    Mentor/mentee should create an outline, complete with expected time commitment, detailing requirements for completion of the project.

2.    The responsibility to confirm that the proposed research is worthwhile is left to the professional judgment of the mentor, but can also be reviewed by other faculty as needed.

3.    In nearly all instances, the research will be linked to the mentor’s own research, i.e., it is not the intention that each student will create their own independent study.

4.    The mentor agrees to be part (as PI or Co-I) of the approved IRB and/or or IACUC protocol under which the student is performing the research for the RSP project. The mentor will further ensure that the student complies with training required for activities performed by the student under the approved protocol.