UCSF

Background

Medical innovation depends on translation, the process of applying clinical insights to solve biological problems, and vice versa, yet existing training programs provide few opportunities for physician-scientists to integrate their clinical and research training.

Objective

We developed and determined the feasibility and acceptability of a rotation on the Molecular Medicine Investigation Unit (MMIU), a novel program that engages trainees in the deliberate linkage of patient care and scientific inquiry to cultivate their interest and skills in translation.

Methods

Between July 2017 and January 2019, fourth-year medical students and internal medicine residents were offered a 4-week elective rotation on the MMIU. Supervised by 2 part-time faculty, trainees evaluated patients with unusual and perplexing presentations with the goal of generating hypotheses and a research plan to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of disease. We tracked the development of research hypotheses and resulting projects and surveyed participants about their satisfaction with the program.

Results

Over 18 months, 21 trainees (11 medical students and 10 residents) participated in the program and evaluated a total of 70 patients. Trainees generated a mechanistic hypothesis in 45 (64%) cases, and this resulted in a patient-centered research project in 38 (54%) cases. Trainees unanimously agreed that the program gave them an opportunity to integrate their clinical and research training, and many expressed that it reinforced their interests in translational research.

Conclusions

With modest funding support, it was feasible to deliver authentic experiences of translational inquiry for medical students and internal medical residents, and these experiences were valued by trainees.