School of Medicine

MD Student Research Concentration Program

The goal of this program is to promote research experience for all students enrolled in the MD program at Tufts University School of Medicine. Medical students who decide to become involved in research during their medical school careers may elect to interrupt the regular curriculum and join the Research Concentration Program after completing the preclinical curriculum. Students who participate in the RCP program do so after completing the Core Clerkship year (Year 3). Permission of the Dean of Student Affairs or Associate Dean of Student Affairs must be obtained if a student wants to do the RCP program between Year 2 and Year 3 of the curriculum. RCP must be done full time for a minimum of six continuous months and up to a full year.

Students who wish to participate in research that relates to their curriculum may apply to participate in the Research Concentration Program (RCP). Students applying to the Research Concentration Program must receive approval from the Dean of Student Affairs or the Associate Dean of Student Affairs prior to undertaking the research. Students in a joint degree program must also obtain their Program Directors approval.

To apply, the student must identify a research preceptor, complete the RCP form (available from the Registrar's Office) and provide a description of the research that they will undertake.

The student and the preceptor must detail:

  1. The nature of the student's proposed research project and its relationship to ongoing research, if any
  2. The role of the student in the project
  3. Specific aims of the research
  4. Research design and methods to be used
  5. Description of the research activities to be conducted by the student
  6. The working relationship with the student; indicate who will supervise the student in carrying out the research
  7. Plan for regular student-preceptor meetings

The RCP preceptor is responsible for overseeing the student's research and functions in a mentorship capacity. Should any questions or problems come up during the RCP time, the preceptor should contact Dr. Amy Kuhlik, Dean of Student Affairs or Dr. Mary Brown, Associate Dean of Students. They can be reached at 617-636-6534.

The RCP must be full time for a minimum of six months and is not to exceed one year. Full time is considered a minimum of 35 hours per week/4 weeks per month. Students are not permitted to take any coursework or clerkships while on RCP. Students cannot earn a degree from another school for the work done while on RCP.

While a student participates in the RCP, the student remains enrolled full time at Tufts School of Medicine and is responsible for payment of all required school fees (e.g. Disability Insurance, Health Insurance, Activity Fee) including the Continuation Fee (approx. $1500/semester). There is no full tuition charge for the time on RCP.

A final RCP report from the student's research preceptor is required at the completion of the RCP. The RCP report form will be emailed to the student near the conclusion of their RCP. The student must ensure that their preceptor completes and returns the report to the Registrar's Office within a month from the end date of the research program.

(The student must provide the preceptor with a copy of this page.)