Summer Activities

By: Dr. Michael McMullan

As the School of Medicine (SOM) Class of 2028 completes their M1 year, they will embark on a 10-week summer break before resuming their coursework as second-year medical students. While some will use this time for much-needed rest and relaxation, others will seize the opportunity to participate in local and national programs to gain experience in research or clinical work, enhancing their academic and professional development.

One of the most popular research opportunities offered by the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) is the Medical Student Research Program (MSRP), which provides an 8-week summer research experience with a faculty mentor. This program may focus on clinical, population, or basic science research. Other notable research opportunities include Project Baby Magnolia (PBM) Research Scholars, focusing on genomic medicine; Population Health-Based Research Opportunities through the School of Public Health, addressing topics like infant mortality and chronic diseases; the Medical Student Training in Aging Research (MSTAR) Program through the MIND Center; research experiences with the Pharmacology Clinical Research Core; and opportunities with the Jackson Free Clinic. Students have also participated in national research experiences such as the Vanderbilt Student Research and Training Program.

Other summer experiences may combine research and clinical focus, such as the Surgical Scholars Program, which offers structured research and clinical exposure in surgery, and the Pediatric Research and Clinical Education Program (PReCEP), which introduces students to pediatrics through research and clinical care. Some programs have a predominantly clinical focus, like the Mississippi Rural Physicians Scholarship Program, allowing students to explore primary care in rural areas, and the Internal Medicine Summer Observership, which provides exposure to both ambulatory and inpatient medicine, including ICU experience.

Some students choose to be involved from an educational or administrative standpoint, working as teaching assistants or summer workers in the Office of Medical Education or Student Affairs. Others pursue national opportunities through organizations such as the AAMC and the NIH. Finally, some students engage in unique opportunities, such as spending a summer with a vascular surgeon in Oxford, England, or working with medical mission organizations in Ecuador or South Africa.

Our students often find it challenging to engage in research or gain clinical experience outside their structured studies and rotations. However, the summer following their first year of medical school offers a valuable chance for them to delve into research and clinical exposure. We at the SOM are deeply grateful to everyone who provides these mentored opportunities for our students. We are always eager to explore new possibilities, so please feel free to reach out with any suggestions.