Translational Research Scholarly Concentration

Purpose and Mission

The Scholarly Concentration in Translational Research (SCiTR) prepares medical students to translate scientific discovery into high-quality patient care. Translational Research integrates basic, patient-based, and population-based research approaches with the long-term goal of improving public health. Through active participation in translational research, students gain insight into how biomedical discoveries advance medical practice and improve outcomes.

SCiTR is designed for medical students interested in research, academic medicine, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students will participate in collaborative biomedical or translational research, and develop skills for team-based scientific investigation.

Goals and Objectives

The concentration aims to:

• Stimulate interest in academic medicine through hands-on translational research experiences.
• Promote appreciation for the role of scientific research in medicine.
• Equip students for future interprofessional research and collaboration across multi-disciplinary teams.
• Prepare students for advanced training and career development in academic and research-focused medicine

Distinguishing Features

• Interprofessional Team-Based Learning
  SCiTR students work with graduate students from the Human Pathophysiology and Translational Medicine (HPTM) program.
• Translational Research Experience
  Students have the opportunity to design and execute translational research projects in multidisciplinary biomedical research teams, contributing to the development of new treatments for disease.
• Mentored Research Environment
  Engagement with graduate students and faculty mentors exposes students to real-world biomedical research culture and collaboration.

Why Choose SCiTR? (Student Highlights)

1. Work on real translational research projects aimed at advancing disease treatment
2. Collaborate with graduate scientists in a robust interprofessional learning environment
3. Build a strong foundation for academic medicine and research careers.

Required Course or Activity

• 8 week summer research program (SRP)
  Students are paired with a research mentor for 8 weeks during the summer of year 1. (2 points)
• ITSU 4402 OR Honors Research Selective
  Students will be required to complete ITSU 4402, Multidisciplinary Translational Research BSHS Selective 4 week period course in year 4. (1 point)
• Present Research at TRSS
  Capstone (A manuscript describing research work completed.) This is submitted at the end of the BSHS course (ITSU 4402) during year 4. A presentation of research work presented during the Translational Research Seminar Series.) (1 point)

Optional Course or Activity

• 4 week period Research elective
  R form required- during Y2-4 (1 point)
• ITSU 4001 Research Proposal Development Course
  4 week period working with your research mentor and developing a proposal during Y2-4 (1 point)
• Translational Research Seminars Series (TRSS)
  All students can attend 8 total seminars beginning their second year in medical school. SCiTR members are strongly encouraged to participate in the Translational Research Seminar Series with the HPTM students. Students will submit a redcap form to track their seminars attended each year 2-4.) (1 point)
• 160 Lab Hours
  Y2-4 students will complete 160 hours of research with their mentor. Mentors must sign and approve before and after for completion. This is NOT a course for credit. (1 point)
• TeamMAPPS Certificate
  Team Science Online training , 5 badges total and certificate of completion (1 point)
• Research GAP Year (If a SCiTR student takes a gap year on a research grant
  Fulbright, MTSP, etc. this can be used for points (2 points)
• Submit and Present Abstract at Conference
  Must notify the SCiTR team of presentation type, title, when, where (2 points)
• Submit and Present Abstract at "T1 to T4 in 3"
  Local competition, must be accepted to present) (1 point)
• Comprehensive Clinical Research Training (1 point)

NOTE: SCiTR students are required to earn a minimum of 7 points in order to graduate with the Translational Research concentration.

The Scholarly Concentration in Translational Research (SCiTR) offers a variety of ways to enroll within the concentration which includes 3 different On-ramps to enter.

On-Ramp 1

Members are selected during the summer of their matriculating year of entry into the School of Medicine. Students selected for On-Ramp 1 will participate in the selected SCiTR-HPTM Problem-Based Learning activities during the first core courses of Year 1 (GAR and M2M).

On-Ramp 1 Members will also participate in the 8 week summer research program and in ITSU 1095, Inter-Professional Translational Research Design Course (TRIPOD) which is taken with HPTM students.

On-Ramp 2

Members who are selected to On-Ramp 2, will participate in the 8 week summer research program and in ITSU 1095, Inter-Professional Translational Research Design Course (TRIPOD) which is taken with HPTM students and the On-Ramp 1 members.

On-Ramp 3

Members selected through On-Ramp 3 are eligible if they have participated in the 8-week Summer Research Program and have met with the SCiTR Director for entry approval.

SCiTR Director

SCiTR Co-Directors

ITSU 4001 Course

ITSU 4402 Course