Integration of Three Different Medical Research Projects for Medical Students in a Department of Pediatrics

At the Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre (RUNMC), all medical students perform one or more scientific studies. The Department of Pediatrics is involved in three different types of research projects: First, the Research Training Internship, which all medical students participate in during their Master program. This 12-week internship is considered an educational or learning activity and comprises general learning objectives as well as specific learning objectives. Second, the Radboud Honors Program Medical Sciences, a supplementary two-year program that gives exceptional Bachelor medical students the opportunity to train in medical research and to perform research at a host institute abroad. Finally, the Excellent Student Program that invites excellent students to participate in research projects in our pediatric clinic over a period of 2–6 years. The main goal of this program is to engage medical students in (clinical) science and translational research. The three different student research projects have been highly productive over the past three years resulting in multiple scientific manuscripts and presentations as well as PhD applications and personal grants. Students are very positive about the programs. We believe these programs increase enthusiasm for medical research among medical students and challenge outstanding students.