The potential for physicians, clinicians, and health professionals to contribute to the advancement of medical therapies through clinical research is significant. Yet, a lack of exposure to, or practical training in, the conduct of clinical research can inhibit health profession trainees from considering research careers, thus perpetuating the already limited influx of new talent. To enhance the sustainability of career pathways into research for all trainees, including those from traditionally underrepresented communities, trainees must experience early exposure to research concepts through robust training and hands-on opportunities. In 2015, the Duke Office of Clinical Research created a Research Immersion elective for Duke’s Master in Biomedical Sciences program, which prepares students for additional health professional training. The course trained students through didactic and practical experiences, with a unique interprofessional mentorship team including both principal investigator and clinical research professional mentors. Following eight cohorts of iterative course optimization, students’ confidence increased in all 24 research competencies assessed. A cross-sectional analysis of post-course outcomes in May 2024 revealed 40.4% of students had continued in research after the program and 60.6% had continued their health professions education. We attributed this success to applied learning and clear expectations and guidelines to support the mentor-student relationship.
