Integrating Distance Strategies to Meet the 2020 Summer ResearchInternship Competencies and Objectives

摘要

Knowledge of research skills such as information literacy, critical thinking,ability to ask questions, and evidence-based decisions are necessary for allmedical students. They will use these skills for clinical decisions, translateresearch findings to clinical practice, and educate their patients. Researchalso plays an essential role in the selection process for many residencyprograms, and it has only become more critical over time. Therefore, researchactivities are a central component of medical schools’ curriculum throughout the4 years. One of the research opportunities offered to medical students is theirparticipation in a research summer internship. Nevertheless, due to the COVID-19pandemic, summer 2020 was impacted by the rapid shut down of academic andresearch activities to minimize infection. In this article, the authors describethe methodology changes to maintain the summer research internship offeringamongst the coronavirus pandemic compared to the previous 6 years (2014-2019).Students answered a survey to assess their insight regarding general aspects ofthe summer research internship, structure, mentorship, faculty, and researchskills development. Overall, students had a positive perception of all thesurvey areas, especially in mentor performance and research skills development.In conclusion, the authors found 2 critical attitudes toward facing unexpectedchallenges, such as the impact of COVID-19. These are essential to open newopportunities for the future of medical education research: (1) assuming a fast,encouraging, and constant response from the academic leaders, and (2)facilitating the stakeholders’ interest, resilience, and commitment to help andsupport.