THE VALUE OF MEDICAL-STUDENT RESEARCH - THE EXPERIENCE AT STANFORD-UNIVERSITY SCHOOL-OF-MEDICINE

At Stanford University School of Medicine, students are encouraged to conduct research, requiring a substantial amount of funding and effort on the part of teaching staff. We questioned one graduating class and all medical teachers to determine the value of the research experienc e to students, as well as staff satisfaction. Seventy-three per cent o f students and 80% of teaching staff responded. Ninety per cent of stu dents had performed research resulting in at least one published manus cript for 75% and a presentation at a national meeting for 52%. Almost all thought the experience taught them to ask questions, review the l iterature critically, and analyse data. Three-quarters responded that the experience motivated them to pursue further research, and 60% indi cated that they plan a full-time academic career. The majority of teac hing staff who worked with students found it rewarding and thought the student had had a valuable experience. We conclude that our curriculu m provides a positive opportunity for students to develop an investiga tive approach to medical problems.