Student Scholarship
Welcome to the student research portal. Here you will find resources, timelines, and opportunities to engage in scholarly work across Belmont University and our partner institutions.
Scholarship vs. Research: What Matters for Residency?
Residency program directors look for applicants who are not just clinically competent but also intellectually engaged and capable of contributing to the field. Both traditional research and broader scholarly activities can showcase these qualities. Think of "research" as one important type of "scholarship."
Here’s a breakdown of what we consider valuable scholarship and how it strengthens your residency application:
- Traditional Research: This involves hypothesis-driven investigation, often in a lab or clinical setting (e.g., a basic science project or a clinical trial).
- Residency Value: Demonstrates a deep understanding of the scientific method, perseverance, and the ability to contribute new knowledge.
- Case Reports & Series: Involves a detailed report of the symptoms, signs, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of an individual patient or a small group of patients.
- Residency Value: Highlights your clinical reasoning, attention to detail, and ability to identify novel clinical scenarios.
- Quality Improvement (QI) Projects: A systematic effort to improve the quality, safety, and efficiency of patient care within a healthcare system.
- Residency Value: Shows initiative, systems-level thinking, and a commitment to patient safety—highly sought-after skills for any resident.
- Curriculum Development: Creating or evaluating educational materials, courses, or programs for peers, junior students, or patients.
- Residency Value: Proves your expertise in a subject, your leadership potential, and your dedication to medical education.
- Systematic or Narrative Reviews: A comprehensive review and synthesis of existing literature on a specific clinical question or topic.
- Residency Value: Displays your ability to master a body of knowledge, critically appraise evidence, and identify gaps in the current understanding.
- Presentations & Publications: Sharing your work through posters, oral presentations at conferences, or articles in peer-reviewed journals.
- Residency Value: This is the ultimate goal of any scholarly work. It demonstrates excellent communication skills and shows that your work has been vetted and valued by experts in the field.
Getting Started
We believe that scholarly skills are best developed through structured, mentored experiences. Our programs are integrated directly into the medical school curriculum to provide you with protected time and expert guidance.
Choosing the right path depends on your interests, career goals, and available time
- Sample Research CV
- Cold Email Template for Faculty [in progress]
Research Opportunities
We offer access to research opportunities across Belmont, including the Frist College of Medicine and the four health-related schools, as well as partner institutions
Research Opportunities Database This databases include both internal and external research positions and is updated on a rolling basis. (Disclaimer: Please note that some opportunities listed here are found publicly on the web and have been compiled into this database for your convenience
- Explore research opportunities available across Belmont, including the Frist College of Medicine and the four health-related schools, as well as partner institutions: LINK
- For additional opportunities, this database includes external research positions. It is updated on a rolling basis as new opportunities become available: LINK
Timeline & Key Dates:
Please note the following critical dates for the upcoming application cycle and summer program:
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December 15: Applications Open.
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January 15: Priority Application Deadline (Deadline 1).
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January 16: Applications forwarded to partner institutions and faculty for review.
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End of January: Anticipated decision notifications for Deadline 1 applicants.
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January 30: Secondary Application Deadline (Deadline 2).
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Mid-April: Student Registration for the Research Elective Course.
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Pre-June: Completion of Mentor-Mentee Agreements and Student Commitment Forms.
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June 9: Research Elective / Summer Program Start Date.
Scholarly Pulse Newsletters
Access past issues of our student research newsletter, Scholarly Pulse, to stay informed on student achievements and research highlights.
Volume I: Introduction to SPI, Basic vs. Clinical Research, Interview with Radiation Oncology Residency Director
Volume II: Literature Review Guide and Interview with Orthopedic Surgery Residency Director
Volume III: 'What Is A Good Physician' Editorial and Interview with Surgical Critical Care program director.
Don't hesitate to schedule a meeting with us to discuss your goals and map out your personal plan for scholarly success.
Staff
Jamaine Davis
Email: jamaine.davis@belmont.edu
Office Location: FCOM 6617
Binula Illukpitiya
Email: binula.illukpitiya@belmont.edu
Office Location: FCOM 6621
Contact Us
Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine
1900 Belmont Boulevard
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615.460.6191