Presented By: Ryan Ellis, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville
Co-Authors: Renee Chosed, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville
Victoria Costello, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville
Shannon Ellis, University of South Carolina College of Engineering and Computing
Jennifer Grier, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville

Purpose
With the transition of Step 1 to pass/fail, many medical students are seeking out ways to distinguish themselves from their peers when applying for residency. Research posters and oral presentations offer students a way to showcase their research experiences and results. The purpose of this work was to develop and evaluate the success of an institutional student-focused summer research symposium. 

Methods 
The University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville (USCSOMG) developed and hosted a student research symposium from 2019-2023, to provide a platform for students to practice their presentation skills and receive feedback. Current second-year students were invited to present their work based on their summer research projects. The symposium has included oral presentations, rapid-fire poster presentations and poster sessions, with the format adapting yearly to submissions numbers and environmental considerations. Audience and committee-judged awards were bestowed. Student participation was tracked and post-symposium qualitative student and faculty feedback was collected. 

Results
Medical student participation in the symposium increased each year from 28 in 2019, to 52 in 2020, 71 in 2021, 82 in 2022, and 88 in 2023. Qualitative data revealed themes reflecting positive experiences and satisfaction from the students and faculty mentors. Limitations to student research engagement included a decreased access to in-person research activities in 2020 due to pandemic conditions. 

Conclusion 
The student focused research symposium developed at USCSOMG in 2019 has shown increasing numbers of student presenters and higher satisfaction from event attendees. Future efforts will monitor how students' participation in the institution-based symposium increases students' involvement in research as they continue through their medical education, as well as their overall satisfaction with research and residency options. Continued growth of this event and overall student participation in research opportunities are key elements in the development of well-rounded and successful future-physicians at USCSOMG.