Presented By: Sarah Olin, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Co-Authors: Emily Ahner, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Clarissa Camarena, University of California at San Diego School of Medicine
Eric Chio, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Natalie Contreras, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Destiny Frederick, University of California at San Diego School of Medicine
Jessica Hernandez-Moreno, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Daniel Levine, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Kaitlyn Novotny, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Crysty-Ann Olaco, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Claire Ong, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Axel Rivas, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Stephen Schneid, University of California at San Diego School of Medicine
Edward Simanton, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Amy Stone, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Katerina Venderova, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine

Purposes 
Students have often participated with faculty mentors in education research but the research usually is focused within the host institution. We observed the lack of inter-institutional work as an opportunity to leverage existing multi-institutional collaborations among faculty who mentor medical students interested in medical education scholarship and bring them and their students together forming the Student Medical Education Research Team (SMERT). This innovation will help to develop student scholarship and establish broad networks in medical education research.

Methods 
Faculty colleagues from 13 medical schools together with students they mentor in medical education research began meeting over a year ago to share research ideas and offer constructive feedback. This forum provides an opportunity for students to come together to collaborate on research projects across institutions.

Results 
Over the past year, SMERT has grown from 3 to 13 institutions. The growth and success of SMERT is seen in the many accomplishments over the past year which include: hosting a panel discussion at WGEA's Hawaii conference, an inter-institutional manuscript workshop, and a growing number of medical education research. SMERT is currently working on 20 projects, providing many opportunities to learn about medical education research and create projects of their own.

Conclusions
In SMERT, students have the opportunity to hone their skills in education research and establish a professional network which will undoubtedly be valuable to their careers after graduation. The establishment of inter-institutional collaboration will also enrich research projects by adding multiple perspectives and facilitate entry of students into the medical education community.