12-Month Research Track

Program Overview

The 12-Month Research Track is our deepest, most comprehensive program — designed for ambitious high school and college students who want to go beyond a 12-week introduction. Over the course of a year, scholars work alongside a physician mentor on a full research project, learn intermediate biostatistics and study methodology, and produce a manuscript intended for submission to a peer-reviewed journal.

This is the path for students who want a documented, citable publication on their record before they apply to medical school — not just a certificate, but a real authorship line they can point to.

Curriculum Modules

• 1

  Months 1–2: Foundations & Research Question Development

  Literature review skills, formulating a focused research question, study design basics, and IRB/ethics fundamentals. Scholars are paired with a physician mentor in their area of interest.

• 2

  Months 3–4: Dataset Assignment & Protocol

  Scholars receive a real de-identified clinical dataset and finalize a written research protocol with their mentor: hypothesis, variables, inclusion/exclusion criteria, planned analyses.

• 3

  Months 5–6: Statistical Methodology & Analysis

  Intermediate biostatistics (regression, survival analysis, multivariate methods). Hands-on data analysis using SPSS/R/STATA with mentor supervision. First-pass results review.

• 4

  Months 7–8: Manuscript Drafting

  Structured guidance through each manuscript section — introduction, methods, results, discussion, conclusion. Weekly drafting milestones with mentor feedback at each step.

• 5

  Months 9–10: Journal Selection & Submission Strategy

  Choose target journals, format the manuscript to journal-specific guidelines, and submit. Plus: presentation preparation for regional or national conferences.

• 6

  Months 11–12: Revision Cycles & Publication Support

  Responding to reviewer comments, structured revision workflow, and ongoing support through to acceptance. Scholars walk away with publication credentials and a portfolio of completed scholarly work.

Deliverables & Outcomes

Graduates of the 12-Month Research Track produce a complete peer-reviewed manuscript submission with their name as a contributing author (ICMJE-compliant), a presentation-ready scientific abstract, conference presentation experience, and a verifiable MD Scholars Research Completion Certificate. The expected outcome is a citable publication — not just a credential.

This track is best suited to motivated students with prior science coursework who want a substantive year-long investment in research.