Integrating Distance Strategies to Meet the 2020 Summer Research Internship Competencies and Objectives

Abstract

Knowledge of research skills such as information literacy, critical thinking, ability to ask questions, and evidence-based decisions are necessary for all medical students. They will use these skills for clinical decisions, translate research findings to clinical practice, and educate their patients. Research also plays an essential role in the selection process for many residency programs, and it has only become more critical over time. Therefore, research activities are a central component of medical schools’ curriculum throughout the 4 years. One of the research opportunities offered to medical students is their participation in a research summer internship. Nevertheless, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, summer 2020 was impacted by the rapid shut down of academic and research activities to minimize infection. In this article, the authors describe the methodology changes to maintain the summer research internship offering amongst the coronavirus pandemic compared to the previous 6 years (2014-2019). Students answered a survey to assess their insight regarding general aspects of the summer research internship, structure, mentorship, faculty, and research skills development. Overall, students had a positive perception of all the survey areas, especially in mentor performance and research skills development. In conclusion, the authors found 2 critical attitudes toward facing unexpected challenges, such as the impact of COVID-19. These are essential to open new opportunities 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 and support.