Perceptions of Research and Research-Oriented Careers Among College-Level Baccalaureate-MD Students in the United States

Abstract

A survey was administered to describe research perceptions among college-level students in combined baccalaureate-MD (BA/MD) programs in the United States. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze participant research perceptions. The estimated response rate was 26% (430/1653). Most respondents conducted scientific research in high school and college and reported barriers to research participation. Key barriers to research participation included lack of time, research knowledge or experience, and sufficient research guidance as well as the disruptions of COVID-19. Most respondents reported that research-supporting programs were available at their institution and perceived faculty mentorship programs as the most helpful for broadening their research experience. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40670-022-01619-5.

Reflections on College-Level Research for Baccalaureate-MD Students in the United States

“…Combined baccalaureate-MD (e.g., BA/MD and BS/MD) programs are niche pathways that offer high school students conditional acceptance into medical school. As students in a combined BS/MD program, we read with great interest Lin and colleagues' report, which sought to characterize research perceptions among college-level students in combined BA/ MD programs [1]. Below, we present anecdotal descriptions of experiences at our undergraduate institution, which we believe speak to the efficacy of faculty mentorship programs.…”