Summer Program Advances Medical Students and Promotes Diversity in the Next Generation of Healthcare Providers
The event recognized 2023 participants of the Maimonides Summer Research Experience (MSRE), an innovative program for first-year medical students designed to foster the advancement of medical research while promoting diversity and inclusion in the field.
Brooklyn, NY (August 2, 2023) — On August 2, the Maimonides Health community came together at the 40/40 Club in Barclays Center for the “Night of Research” graduation ceremony to recognize 2023 participants of the Maimonides Summer Research Experience (MSRE), an innovative program designed to foster the advancement of medical research while promoting diversity and inclusion in the field.
The event was a celebration of the hard work and dedication of 39 students from across eight departments who presented their research projects to attendees in a poster format. Founded in 2020, the eight-week MSRE program provides a unique opportunity for first-year medical students to engage in research, learn the fundamentals of medicine, and observe Maimonides Health’s award-winning faculty in real time.
“We firmly believe this initiative program enriches these students’ educational experiences and contributes to a more diverse and inclusive future in medicine,” said Dr. Afshin Razi, Vice Chair and Residency Program Director of Orthopedics, Maimonides Medical Center. “The annual ‘Night of Research’ ceremony is a fantastic opportunity to witness firsthand the impact of the MSRE program and the potential of our students.”
Joining the annual program from the College of Medicine at SUNY Downstate Health Science University and Morehouse School of Medicine, the 2023 MRSE cohort represented a significant expansion of the program over previous years. Formerly, the program accepted only ten students in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery. This expansion allows the program to reach a more significant number of students as well as broadens the scope of research and learning experiences available, providing a more comprehensive and diverse exposure to the medical field.
In its ongoing commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Maimonides Health introduced DEI scholarship grants specifically for students who are Underrepresented in Medicine (URIM) across various specialties, a crucial component of its strategy to remove financial barriers and provide equal opportunities for all students to participate in the MSRE program. This year, ten participants received scholarships to participate in the program due to generous donations from Crossriver Bank ($50,000) and BSE Global ($25,000), among others. These donations help support the DEI initiative and a more diverse workforce.