Distinction in Research

Mount Sinai School of Medicine has various programs through which students can conduct research under the guidance of faculty mentors. The most rigorous of these qualifies students to graduate with Distinction in Research.

Program Overview

This program is for students who plan, carry out and write up original basic or clinical research, rather than limiting their participation to a technical capacity on an ongoing project. Students who are accepted into this program and who fulfill the requirements listed below will receive diplomas at Commencement stating that they have graduated with "Distinction in Research".

The research conducted must be intensive. Students are encouraged to begin in the spring semester of their first year or during the summer between their first and second years. Proposals cannot be a part of a student's required research effort at the School of Medicine. The publication of case reports or reviews do not qualify students for graduation with Distinction in Research. Students enrolled in the Medical Scientist Training Program are not eligible.

Participants in this program will be eligible for existing research prizes. This is an exciting opportunity for students to receive recognition for creativity and originality. This research experience is a valuable educational component for either an academic or clinical medicine career.

Requirements for Admission

1. Students must be in good academic standing at the School of Medicine.
2. The student must submit a completed application form consisting of a research proposal. A covering letter from his/her faculty mentor must state that 1) the proposal has scientific merit, 2) has been written primarily by the student, 3) can be accomplished within the proposed time frame, and 4) that the student will be first author on any paper reporting this research. The latter implies that the student has carried out the majority of the work him/herself and has taken primary responsibility for writing the manuscript. All applications should be submitted directly to Dr. Zier at the Medical Student Research Office, Box 1257.
3. The application is available in the Medical Student Research Office and may be submitted at any time during the academic year.
4. A Distinction in Research Advisory Committee will be formed for each student. This committee makes the decision as to whether a student's proposal is acceptable.
5. Any student whose application is not accepted by the committee will have the opportunity to respond to the criticisms.

Requirements for Successful Completion of the Program

1. Publication of a paper to a peer-reviewed journal by March 1 of the fourth year and endorsement of the student by the committee awarding Distinction in Research. A copy of the paper must go to the Medical Student Research Office.

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2. A thesis in the form of a manuscript may be submitted to the student’s advisory committee. The committee will then make the decision as to whether it qualifies the student for graduation with Distinction in Research.

3. A letter from the mentor endorsing the manuscript must accompany the manuscript or thesis.

Recognition of Achievement

1. Students in the program will have it noted in their Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE).
2. Students who fulfill all of the requirements will earn the designation, "Distinction in Research". This will be indicated on the Commencement Program and noted on the diplomas. Students will also participate in the Senior Awards Day Ceremonies.

Application Form

Back to Research Guidelines, Distinction in Research, and Year of Scholarship

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