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Fourth Year Research Experience Project and Awards

All students are required to complete a Research Experience Project (REP) in their 4th year (SUNY Downstate College of Medicine - Advanced Clinical Medicine). In REP, each student must complete an hypothesis driven scholarly report that culminates from previous research training/experience and provides students with excellent preparation for residency interviews.  REP work with a faculty research mentor reinforces principles of scientific research and scholarly activity that have been introduced throughout the prior curriculum. Students are responsible for contacting and meeting with a designated mentor of their choosing who will guide the student in the choice of a research topic. Thus, in their last year, REP provides students with direct exposure to Downstate research and faculty, and in conducting research in a self-chosen area of interest, and as a consequence they receive training in the fundamentals of research and scientific communication, while enhancing their critical thinking, analysis, and teamwork.

Medical Students who have made a significant research contribution are eligible to present at research day, local meetings and at national meetings (funded by the Alumni Fund). Students also can obtain training support in writing papers and grants. Top research students graduate with a Distinction in Research Award. There is also the Commendation in Investigative Scholarship award that is given to a student who has participated in a basic science or clinical project for a limited period of time or who has participated in a project, which has not reached maturity. These awards are made at the graduation Convocation ceremony.