Steps Along the Scholarly Concentrations Path
Explore Concentration Opportunities
During the first year, students are encouraged to explore and compare the palette of Scholarly Concentrations by:
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talking with SC Directors and others, such as research mentors
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taking introductory courses
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attending seminars
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examining the SC and MedScholars websites
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reviewing at course requirements
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looking at type of scholarship carried out by the faculty advising team
The exploration phase includes both a comparison of the academic appeal of different foundation and application areas.
Map the Concentration
By examining the course requirement layout and the opportunities for research within a concentration of interest, students create a map of how they would like to incorporate their concentration into the standard core and clerkship schedule. This is particularly valuable for students intending to complete medical school in four years. Key courses may be taken the first spring quarter, and the summer after the first year can be used for independent scholarship. Each student situation is unique and SC Directors are willing to consider other paths tailored by their students.
Students planning a five-year curriculum have the opportunity to adjust core class or clerkship schedules to accommodate more SC pursuits. Five-year students who decide to do one year of full-time research can take SC classes up to three units at the same time as pursuing this research, as long as this is pre-approved by the research mentor and MedScholars Program Coordinator. Five-year students should meet with SC Directors and Advising Deans to craft a plan to allow successful completion of course, clerkship, and research requirements.
Declare a Concentration
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Each student must declare a Scholarly Concentration by submitting a Declaration Form (PDF file) along with a course plan and general project description. It is recommended that four-year students declare by April 1 of the first year. All students must declare by October 1 of the second year. Basic declaration steps:
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Select one of the existing foundation areas or design one independently.
- Select an application area, if applicable.
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Define learning objectives, a general course plan and scholarship goals.
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Show how the learning plan (aka "course plan") will be completed over a four- or five-year period.
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Fill out the Declaration Form; attach a course plan and a general description of the intended scholarship.
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Meet with the Scholarly Concentration Director to discuss plans and to obtain his/her signature on the Declaration Form.
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Turn in the signed form, course plan, and scholarship description to Mara Violanti (x3c25).
The learning objectives, course plan, and scholarship ideas and path statements, attached to the Declaration Form, will serve as a base line (or "memo of understanding") for discussion between the student and Scholarly Concentration Director. Copies of this form are kept with the SC Director and SC central administration.