What does this research mean for the field?

A structured, four-year longitudinal clinical research enterprise model enhances medical student research productivity, professional identity formation, and residency preparedness. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To enhance medical student research skills and publication rates through a structured mentorship program.

May 30, 2026Open Access

Improving the impact of medical student research through structured mentorship: a clinical research enterprise model

Key Points

To enhance medical student research skills and publication rates through a structured mentorship program.
Developed a structured clinical research enterprise at an academic medical center in 2019.
Engaged first-year medical students in a four-year longitudinal model with faculty mentorship and multidisciplinary collaboration.
Provided standardized onboarding, biweekly team meetings, and a centralized digital infrastructure for managing projects.
Produced 28 peer-reviewed publications (4.6 per year), each with an average of 5.0 citations per article.
17% of publications cited in clinical documents; 68% appeared in high-impact journals (impact factor >5).
Qualitative improvements observed in professional identity formation, clinical confidence, and residency preparedness.

Abstract

Abstract Problem Medical student research engagement is increasingly important in residency selection and professional development, yet structured, longitudinal mentorship programs remain limited, particularly in underserved settings. Inconsistent access to mentors and growing reliance on artificial intelligence tools further threaten the development of rigorous research skills. Scalable solutions are needed to provide equitable, high-quality research training. Approach A structured clinical research enterprise was developed under faculty mentorship and formally launched in 2019 at an academic medical center. The program recruits first-year medical students annually and engages them in a four-year longitudinal model emphasizing progressive leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration, and continuous mentorship. Students complete standardized onboarding, participate in multidisciplinary projects, attend biweekly team meetings, and use centralized digital infrastructure to manage projects. Defined roles for students, a research assistant, and the principal investigator evolve across training levels. Institutional funding supports administrative staff, biostatistical resources, and conference participation. Outcomes Between 2019 and 2025, the group produced 28 peer-reviewed publications (4.6 per year) with a mean of 5.0 citations per article, achieved within a seven-year citation window. This compares favorably to a benchmark bibliometric analysis of medical student publications from 1980-2010 reporting 4.5 citations per article. Seventeen percent of publications were cited in clinical documents, and 68% appeared in high-impact journals (impact factor 5). Qualitative outcomes included improved professional identity formation, confidence in clinical environments, and preparedness for residency. Program enrollment expanded to over 50 active student researchers across three medical schools. Next Steps The model is being piloted for institutional expansion by recruiting additional faculty mentors. Formal program evaluation will assess long-term career outcomes, research involvement, and residency match success. The enterprise aims to serve as a scalable framework to improve equity, access, and excellence in medical student research training.

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