Basic and Clinical Research

We have a long established tradition of encouraging students to participate in research during some period of their tenure in medical school. We contend that a research experience is no less important for students interested in generalist medicine than for those planning to enter the most technologically based specialties. Continuing advances in the scientific basis of clinical medicine and the magnitude of its knowledge base will compel all tomorrow’s physicians to develop superb skills in accessing that knowledge base efficiently and evaluating it critically and with scientific acumen. A strong research experience while in medical school can facilitate enormously the acquisition of such skills. We also believe that stimulating at least some medical students to develop careers in investigative medicine is compatible with national objectives to improve the health of the people and control costs. After all, the existence of diseases for which there are no or only partial answers is still the major problem in health care. There are undoubtedly some students here today who have the potential to supply these answers if provided with the appropriate opportunities.

Following is a brief summary of the various routes to research at Einstein:

Summer Research Fellowships: $2000 awards for two-month projects conducted during the summer between the first and second year are provided to about 60 students annually. Research projects at Einstein and affiliated hospitals are described in an online directory. Application forms must be completed and submitted to 209-Belfer by May 15. Descriptions of research interests of Einstein faculty can be found in the Einstein Web site. Search this Web site for additional information about research in various departments, divisions and centers at Einstein and its affiliated hospitals.
Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP)-Alternate Pathway: Students who did not apply were not admitted to the MSTP upon matriculation, may apply for admission to the program upon completion of the second year of medical school. This program, leading to the award of the Ph.D. and M.D. degrees, provides full tuition remission and a fellowship stipend. Students interested in applying for this Alternate Pathway to the M.D.-Ph.D. degrees should be sure to contact Dr. Myles Akabas, MSTP Director.
Diploma With Distinction in Research: Students who conduct research projects for at least five consecutive months during the senior year and write a paper based on that research experience, are eligible to graduate with distinction in their particular research disciplines. About 25 students annually qualify for this special diploma. Students who conduct year-long research (see below) anytime after their second year are also eligible to graduate with distinction in research. Fellowships in the amount of $3500 are awarded for 5-month projects.
Year-long research projects: Our students have fared very well in the competition for Research Training Fellowships and the NIH-Research Scholars Program offered by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. We rank in the top ten medical schools in the country with respect to number of awardees since these program started in 1988. For program information and online application forms for Howard Hughes programs, visit www.hhmi.org/grants/.

In addition to the Howard Hughes awards, 8 post-sophomore Einstein Research Fellowships are awarded annually for research in the basic biomedical or clinical sciences. Stipends for Einstein Research Fellowships are currently in the amount of $16,000.
M.S. in Clinical Research: This M.D./M.S. program calls for application in the third year by interested students who have already identified a mentor and project. Year four is dedicated to research and course work towards the MS and, in year five, the student completes required clerkships and electives as well as the Master’s thesis requirement. A fellowship stipend of $16,000 is awarded for years four and five. See "Clinical Research M.D. - M.S. Program" for additional information.