Distinction in Research

Program Guidelines for Mentors

The Mount Sinai School of Medicine has various programs to encourage student research. The Distinction in Research Program is the most rigorous and prestigious of these programs, since it gives medical students an opportunity to obtain instruction from faculty members on how to carry out original research. For many students, this is the first step they take on the way to becoming independent investigators. The goal of the program is to provide instruction on how to:

1. identify a scientific question
2. formulate the specific aim(s)
3. design a research plan
4. analyze data

The program is not for every student, but for those who want to carry out a research study in which they will assume a significant level of responsibility. This work will be performed under the direction of their mentor.

1. The application is in the form of a research proposal divided into the following sections and should be no longer than five pages.
   1. Abstract
   2. Hypothesis to be tested
   3. Statement of importance
   4. Introduction/Background
   5. Specific aims
   6. Research plan
   7. Data analysis
2. The project can be in the area of basic science, clinical medicine, translational research, epidemiology, outcomes research, or health policy. It should be hypothesis driven, rather than purely descriptive reporting observations. The following are examples of what is not acceptable for admission to the DIR program, although they may provide some students with a worthwhile research experience:
   1. those that are purely technical in nature, requiring the student to perform a single assay
   2. those that do not involve testing a scientific question
   3. chart reviews
   4. literature reviews
3. A cover letter, signed by you, must accompany the application. It 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
   4. the student will be first author on any paper reporting this research

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; or
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. The student must be listed as first author on the manuscript and the thesis.
4. Graduation with Distinction in Research will be noted on the student's diploma and also on the graduation program. Students will be invited to participate in the Graduation Awards and Prizes Ceremony.

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