Yale is one of the few medical schools to require a dissertation based on original research. The M.D. thesis, an essential part of the curriculum, is designed to develop critical judgment, habits of self-education, and application of the scientific method to medicine. Required since 1839, the thesis gives students the opportunity to work closely with faculty who are distinguished scientists, clinicians, and scholars. The Office of Student Research, directed by Dr. John N. Forrest, Jr., assists students with the planning, implementation and completion of research leading to a thesis. This office provides three types of stipend support for student investigators: Summer research stipends Short-term student research stipends One-year student research fellowships Furthermore, the School of Medicine encourages many students to consider a fifth year of medical school, devoting it exclusively to research training. Students present their research in poster sessions and oral presentations at the annual Student Research Day held in May. Dr. Forrest is available, by appointment, to advise and assist students in any of these matters.

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