Session Coordinator: Jennifer Grier

This session addresses solutions to the barriers medical students have when it comes to research in medical school. This problem is multifaceted. There is initial apprehension in taking on difficult projects, finding Principal Investigators, receiving timely communication, and obtaining the guidance necessary to complete their projects. This problem has been well-documented; however, the emphasis on research as an objective metric on a student's residency application is greater than ever before with Step 1 transitioning to a pass/fail scoring system. The current model that a novice student researcher finds themself engaging with is directly interacting with the Principal Investigator themselves, or a resident physician who then mediates with the Principal Investigator. Both of the latter parties are less available due to career responsibilities. We aim to address how the addition of an experienced upperclassman aiding the novice researcher may bridge this gap.