Frontiers in medicine · 2026
Avenues for medical student research at an institution without a home residency program.
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Lee Daniel C, Nguyen Baotram, Grodecki Brian, Berkenstock Meghan K
Аннотация
INTRODUCTION: The goal of this study is to explore the strategies and challenges in obtaining research experiences among medical students pursuing ophthalmology, other surgical subspecialties (OSS), and non-surgical specialties (NSS) at an institution without a home residency for these specialties.
METHODS: A 20-question confidential survey was distributed to Drexel University College of Medicine medical students spanning 1st year to 4th year and descriptive analyses were utilized to convey our results.
RESULTS: Of 93 respondents, there were 22 (33.3%) in ophthalmology, 32 (48.5%) in OSS, and 12 (18.2%) in NSS, while 27 students had incomplete responses or did not specify a specialty preference. Sixty-one respondents (92.4%) were from the Philadelphia campus. The mean confidence in having sufficient research experience to be a competitive applicant was comparable across groups (ophthalmology: 2.76; OSS: 2.67; NSS: 3.50; p = 0.219). Cold emailing was the most common method of securing initial research (ophthalmology: 52%; OSS: 38%; NSS: 55%), while DUCOM faculty, pathway directors, or alumni connections were underutilized. The most frequently cited challenges were a lack of mentors and difficulty identifying opportunities. Ophthalmology and OSS students placed higher importance on research compared to NSS students. Across all specialties, research acquisition was largely self-directed, with limited use of faculty and access to alumni. Despite similar levels of research participation, surgical specialties, including ophthalmology, reported greater perceived barriers and desire for support.
DISCUSSION: At institutions without specialty-specific home residency programs, early peer mentorship, structured research orientation, and alumni engagement may improve equity in research access and preparation for competitive specialties.
METHODS: A 20-question confidential survey was distributed to Drexel University College of Medicine medical students spanning 1st year to 4th year and descriptive analyses were utilized to convey our results.
RESULTS: Of 93 respondents, there were 22 (33.3%) in ophthalmology, 32 (48.5%) in OSS, and 12 (18.2%) in NSS, while 27 students had incomplete responses or did not specify a specialty preference. Sixty-one respondents (92.4%) were from the Philadelphia campus. The mean confidence in having sufficient research experience to be a competitive applicant was comparable across groups (ophthalmology: 2.76; OSS: 2.67; NSS: 3.50; p = 0.219). Cold emailing was the most common method of securing initial research (ophthalmology: 52%; OSS: 38%; NSS: 55%), while DUCOM faculty, pathway directors, or alumni connections were underutilized. The most frequently cited challenges were a lack of mentors and difficulty identifying opportunities. Ophthalmology and OSS students placed higher importance on research compared to NSS students. Across all specialties, research acquisition was largely self-directed, with limited use of faculty and access to alumni. Despite similar levels of research participation, surgical specialties, including ophthalmology, reported greater perceived barriers and desire for support.
DISCUSSION: At institutions without specialty-specific home residency programs, early peer mentorship, structured research orientation, and alumni engagement may improve equity in research access and preparation for competitive specialties.