Office of Basic Biomedical Sciences Strengthens Student Research
The SSOM oversees programs that encourage and foster medical student research, such as the summer medical student research program, the Scholarship Pathways Program and the Academy of Medical Student Scholarship Committee, which reviews research proposals submitted by students and aids in the development of their portfolios as they apply for residency positions.
In addition, the SSOM’s Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences established the Office for Medical Student Research, a comprehensive, one-stop resource that helps facilitate research ideas, opportunities, mentors and funding for those who desire assistance.
Gaven Bowman and Kaihlen Smith are two third-year medical students the office has supported. Each student completed a FARM rotation in Parkston in 2023 and chose to work together on a project to provide training for Parkston’s first responders. Bowman and Smith coordinated three nights of skills training for firefighter and EMS personnel, teaching stations in CPR, airway management, bleeding management, vehicle extrication protocols, decontamination procedures, and supply location within local response vehicles.
Pre- and post-training surveys were administered each night of training so Bowman and Smith could statistically analyze if the training was providing a significant difference in the confidence levels of the providers to carry out each of the learned skills.
“The statistics demonstrated a significant enhancement in firefighters’ ability to perform each of these skills,” Bowman explained.
“At the end of the training, the firefighters were very grateful for the educational sessions, as they understand that their field skills could save the life of their neighbor,” added Smith. “I learned that even as a third-year medical student, I was able to make a difference in a community that welcomed me.”
Smith went on to say that the project solidified her interest in pursuing emergency medicine. “This research opportunity changed the trajectory of my medical career,” she said.
“I would like to be a rural family physician, and this research project has allowed me to grow through exposure to rural health care,” agreed Bowman.
William Mayhan, Ph.D., dean of Basic Biomedical Sciences, said, “Research allows our medical school to train the next generation of clinical scientists. We hope this training leads to new knowledge that will improve patient care for generations to come.”
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