Purpose: To assess the benefits and outcomes of a women’s health research group for both medical students and faculty.
Background: Connecting medical students interested in women’s health research to faculty conducting such research can present challenges. We developed a centralized student-faculty connection through a formal group to alleviate those challenges while fostering mentorship and promoting the advancement of women’s health research.
Methods: In December 2020, we established the Women’s Health Research Network (WHRN) and introduced it to faculty and students through a class wide email and at faculty meetings. Students (n=43) signed up via email indicating their interests and experience. Faculty in the obstetrics and gynecology department were encouraged to contact leaders of the group with any research opportunities. In July 2021, students and faculty were emailed a survey for feedback on their experiences with the WHRN.
Results: In the seven months since establishing WHRN, nine projects were identified. Each project was successfully connected to a student. Of these, four projects have indicated that they have submitted manuscripts, submitted an abstract for a conference, or applied for a grant. Most faculty (80%, n=6) indicated that the aspect they liked most from the group was the ease and accessibility to identify interested students who have sufficient time to dedicate to research. All students who utilized the group (100%, n=4) indicated that the aspect they like most was help finding faculty/projects.
Discussions: The establishment of a women’s health research group is a useful tool for improved research collaboration between students and faculty.
Topics: CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting, 2022, Student, Faculty, Interpersonal & Communication Skills, UME, Team-Based Learning, General Ob-Gyn,
Talah Bakdash, University of Kansas; Valerie French, MD, MAS; Alexa Malik,
