Teaching medical students research while reaching the underserved.
OBJECTIVE
This study's objective was to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a 9-week summer training program for teaching medical students research, while performing community-based participatory research in an underserved area.


METHODS
Interactive didactic sessions familiarized students with research methods. Concurrently, they designed and completed a participatory project with a community mentor.


RESULTS
Questionnaires were used to assess students' experience with the program, their project, and their mentors. Pretests and posttests assessed students self-perceived understanding of research principles.


CONCLUSIONS
Evaluation indicated that the program increased understanding of the research process and acquainted students with caring for patients in medically underserved communities.
Dehaven
Mark J
MJ
Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas.
Chen
Leon
L
D004501:Education, Medical / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D008507:Medically Underserved Area; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012106:Research / Q000193:education*; D013337:Students, Medical; D014481:United States