Testimonials

Further your understanding of the Mount Sinai experience through these student testimonials:

Participating in clinical research has allowed me to build on the knowledge of earlier courses and clerkships while promoting scientific thinking and an investigational mind. It has also given me the opportunity to take ownership of a project and work as part of a collaborative team. This year has solidified my decision to practice academic medicine and make research a part of my clinical future.

Brian West, MSSSM 2011
Doris Duke Clinical Research Fellow 2009-2010

During the 2nd semester of my 1st year of medical school I started doing clinical research with the Department of Surgery, and to this day I remain involved in ongoing projects. Doing clinical research allowed me to apply basic science knowledge to develop new ways of approaching disease management and patient care. Through my research experience I was able to present my work not only at Mount Sinai, but also at multiple national surgery conferences. I was also fortunate enough to oversee an entire project — from the writing of the abstract to the publication of the manuscript. The Department of Surgery and the Medical Student Research Office are extremely helpful in engaging medical students in various research experiences, and I highly recommend that students take advantage of these resources during their medical education.

Edward Chu
MSSM 2012

I really enjoyed my summer research experience. I learned a lot, and my mentor was so encouraging — something very important to me since I had no prior lab experience. He really wanted me to enjoy working in a lab.

Libby Copeland-Halperin
MSSM 2013

The Medical Student Research Office and mentors are enthusiastic and eager to work with students to initiate a tailor-made, individualized project to fit the students’ needs. Participating in research has given me the chance to present posters and talks at conferences and work on publications. With the help of the Medical Student Research Office and wonderful mentors, it was possible for me to turn a summer project between first and second year into a year-long project that eventually expanded to include other medical students, residents, and physicians. The opportunity to partake in research early in medical school and the positive experience has allowed me to consider incorporating research into my career as a physician.

Lauren Levy
MSSM 2012

I spent my scholarly year as a Doris Duke Fellow in the laboratory of Dr. Patrick Hof in the Department of Neuroscience, investigating the relationship between the pathology of dementia and cardiovascular risk factors. I came to medical school without ever having worked in a lab, and having this year to pursue research has been an invaluable experience. Dr. Hof has been a wonderful mentor. He has given me guidance but has also stood back to let me feel a sense of ownership of my project. In one short year I have gained confidence in the laboratory techniques that I have learned, and I truly feel that I’ve become a part of a scientific team. This year I have also had the opportunity to practice presenting data and writing grants, and I now feel more able to approach papers with an analytical eye. I now better understand the process of scientific research, and how research can be a very real part of my career.

Elizabeth Schwartz
MSSM, MSTP student
Doris Duke Clinical Research Fellow 2009-2010