Presented By: Di Eley, The University of Queensland Medical School
Co-Authors: Luke Finck, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
Patrick Hu, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
Stephanie Moore-Lotridge, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine

Purpose
Meaningful research engagement by undergraduate medical students is essential to promote the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills through the application of the scientific method. Importantly, research productivity has become an integral element in residency applications, particularly for competitive specialties and programs. For these reasons, many medical programs have developed curriculum elements that enhance student research engagement to create meaningful experiences with tangible outcomes capable of establishing a life-long professional identity of curiosity. A broad variety of program models are possible to achieve this which largely depends on the school's resources, mission, and research ethos. This study explored an international approach to providing meaningful and productive research experience in medical school.

Methods
Content experts in the incorporation of research into medical school curriculum and its application were recruited from the USA and Australia to provide expert perspectives. An overview of research inclusion in medical school curricula will be followed by specific exemplars. The presentation will include an overview of the processes for recruitment of supervisors, suitable projects, monitoring progress and expectations, student eligibility, assessment, and timeframes for completion.

Results
Institutions on both continents employ a variety of methods and curricular models offering research skills training to produce scholarly output in the form of a conference abstract and presentation and/or a co-authored journal publication. Both programs integrate research into all years of the MD curriculum by offering students a rich variety of research experiences from self-guided research projects, scholarly quality improvement projects, and 'protected time' research electives ranging from wet lab to clinical research experiences.

Conclusion
This cursory exploration highlights key curricular elements that enhance student research skill development and engagement. These meaningful experiences can establish a professional identity rooted in curiosity that assists in addressing clinical questions in their future practice.