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Scholarly Project (Pathways)

Student standing in profile in a research lab looking up at fish in rows of fish tanks. 

The HMS scholarly project requirement is designed to provide every Harvard medical student with an opportunity to pursue a mentored scholarly experience analyzing a medical or health-related question, issue or problem in depth. Students can approach issues through a wide range of disciplines in the biomedical sciences, clinical sciences, humanities, arts or other field. The process of discovery is as important as the outcome. Students and their mentors are partners in this process.

Timeline (earlier submission is encouraged for all dates)

  • May 1 of penultimate year (February 7 for global health projects): Scholarly project concept and mentor information to OSE
  • August 1 of graduating year: Scholarly project proposal and mentor agreement to OSE
  • March 1 of graduating year: Scholarly report to OSE  

Current MD students 

Access the internal Scholarly Project site for more information on the scholarly project requirement. Harvard Key is required. 

View a sampling of scholarly project titles from past students

Scholarly Project

Objectives of the Scholarly Project

For all Pathways students, the learning objectives of the scholarly project are to:

  • Engage in original scholarly work addressing a question in medicine/health, using approaches from a range of scientific or social science fields
  • Work closely with a faculty mentor on a scholarly project in a partnership that is mutually beneficial
  • Inspire curiosity, develop critical thinking skills, and identify analytical tools useful for the future physician-scholar
  • Craft a scientific plan through a written proposal that will be vetted by HMS faculty
  • Review and reinforce (via quizzes) basic concepts concerning responsible conduct of research and IRB processes
  • Write a report on scholarly work which will be critiqued by HMS faculty

 

Some Pathways students will also have the following experiences, depending on the nature of their projects:

  • Review and reinforce (via quizzes) basic concepts concerning global health professionalism (for those working on global health projects)
  • Prepare a submission to local IRB offices on the proposed human subjects or animal research
  • Learn statistical tools and analysis techniques through practical experience
  • Prepare for the challenges of working and living abroad
  • Write a manuscript for publication and learn about publication requirements, processes and protecting one’s intellectual property

Finding a Project

MD Students may find scholarly projects through:

  • Conversations with Scholars in Medicine(SIM) Fellows, faculty, Office of Scholarly Engagement (OSE) staff, and fellow students
  • Area seminars
  • The OSE database of opportunities in Harvard Catalyst Profiles: login and select the Opportunity Search tab

Credit

MD Students may request up to four months of optional SIM500 credit for full-time or part-time work on their approved scholarly project. The OSE faculty director must approve this credit application. HMS students should visit the internal HMS site for more information. Harvard Key is required to access. Contact Molly Hannon with any questions. 

Advisory Structure

Advisory Structure

A robust Faculty Committee on Scholarship in Medicine advises students pursuing their scholarly projects. Cannon, Castle, Hinton and Peabody Societies each have two designated Scholars in Medicine (SIM) Fellows who are the principal student advisors and have expertise in basic, clinical, outcomes and global health research. They help with mentor and project identification and review student funding proposals, scholarly project proposals and scholarly project reports. Additional faculty are available to advise students who work in the following specialty areas:

  • Community and Global Health
  • Medical Humanities (Ethics, Medical Narrative, Education, History of Medicine, Creative Arts)
  • Health Care Policy and Health Services
  • Primary Care

The HMS OSE staff support this faculty committee and also provide advice and assistance to students carrying out their scholarly projects.

Mentoring an HMS student

How to Advertise an Opportunity

To advertise an opportunity to students, complete the Student Opportunity Submission Form.     

Mentoring an HMS student