The Medical Research Fellowship Program (MRFP) at the George Washington University (GW) School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS) offers international medical graduates an exceptional opportunity to enhance their research and clinical skills, preparing them for successful graduate medical education in the United States. Since its inception in 2012, the MRFP has achieved an impressive 86% match rate for research fellows into U.S. residency positions after completing the program.
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Medical Research Fellowship Program Details
The MRFP is designed to help research fellows achieve the following goals:
- Establish a Strong Relationship: Foster a meaningful and enduring relationship with a GW faculty member.
- Build a Professional Network: Develop a network of professional contacts in the field of international medicine to offer future support and collaborations.
- Enhance Research Skills: Cultivate critical thinking, analytical, and practical inquiry skills, incorporating the latest approaches in U.S. healthcare and medical research.
- Embrace Evidence-Based Medicine: Build a solid foundation for utilizing evidence-based medicine in research and clinical practice.
- Master Research Methodology: Improve skills in critical appraisal, research design, and understanding the entire medical research process.
- Publish and Present: Aim to publish articles or abstracts in peer-reviewed journals and present research posters or papers at conferences.
- Gain U.S. Healthcare Insight: Acquire first-hand knowledge of the U.S. healthcare delivery and medical education system.
- Develop Leadership Skills: Cultivate personal and group leadership abilities essential for advancement in clinical practice and research.
- Effective Communication: Develop strategies for communicating clinical research and medical information effectively in spoken and written English.
- Public Speaking Experience: Gain broad public speaking and presentation experience and participate in at least one professional conference in their field of interest.
Medical Research Fellowship Program Activities
The MRFP offers a range of enriching activities for research fellows, including:
- Research: Engage in weekly critical appraisal sessions, individual and group research projects, and publication opportunities.
- Clinical Observation: Actively participate as a member of a clinical team, except for direct patient contact.
- One-on-One Mentorship: Receive guidance and support through weekly meetings with a GW faculty mentor.
- U.S. Residency Application Preparation: Access residency preparation interviews, curriculum vitae and personal statement reviews, and personalized letters of recommendation.
- Professional Development: Participate in clinical department grand rounds, conferences, and lectures as a vital team member.
Medical Research Fellowship Program Application Process
Applications for the June 2023 program are currently open. Research fellows can choose a 12-month or 6-month duration. Applicants should submit the following required documents to the Office of International Medicine Programs (IMP) via email at impinfo@gwu.edu:
- Headshot photo
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- One-page personal statement detailing motivations for applying to the program
- Medical school degree
- Medical school transcript
- Three letters of recommendation
- USMLE score reports (preferred if available)
For any inquiries or additional information, please contact the IMP office at impinfo@gwu.edu or call 202-994-2796.
