In October, Department of Medicine faculty from 10 different divisions joined Duke medical students from CIMIGro (Careers in Internal Medicine Interest Group) in a virtual event to discuss research opportunities in the department as students consider opportunities for their Third Year of dedicated research. DOM faculty hosted virtual breakout rooms for basic science, translational science, clinical research, global and population health, and health equity and disparities so that students could ask questions and hear about opportunities in these areas of research.
The third year in the Duke University School of Medicine represents a unique opportunity for students to broaden their background in the biomedical and social sciences, the basis of clinical medicine. The primary goal of the year is to develop tomorrow's physician leaders through a rigorous scholarly experience in biomedical-related research.
Scott Palmer, MD, MHS, vice chair for research, emphasized the importance of medical student research and shared his own third year experience at Duke.
“Speaking from personal experience, my time during my third year as a medical student at Duke was formative to my academic career," he said. "I was fortunate to work in a DOM laboratory, took immunology graduate school classes, and performed translational research that shaped my clinical focus on lung transplant and my future research career interests in immunology. I hope you have similar experience during your third year in a DOM research lab.”
The goal of the CIMIGro Research Night is to provide primarily first- and second-year medical students with an opportunity to explore various areas of research and network with Medicine faculty to find a third year mentor. Although virtual this year, there was a robust discussion with a diverse group students at the event, including faculty sharing research opportunities in Department of Medicine labs and other insight. Approximately 20 students typically spend their third year pursing research in Department of Medicine labs.
“This is our primary recruitment event to engage medical students interested in Medicine to do their research year with our Department,” said Matthew Sparks, MD, director of medical student research. “They are critical to the advancement of Department of Medicine research, and the Department is committed to developing these students who are our future physician scientists.”
Department of Medicine faculty who are interested in becoming a third year mentor can learn more about the requirements or reach out to Matt Sparks directly.
See all Duke approved Third Year Mentors here and more information regarding the Department of Medicine’s support for the Third Year program.