Research Commitment

HST MD students are required to actively engage in independent research under the direction of a faculty member. Research may be conducted longitudinally throughout a student’s medical studies, if carefully planned. Students can also slow the rate of progress through the formal curriculum and take an extra year to devote more time to research.

  • Minimum commitment:
    • 4 months full-time (or part-time equivalent) research, for which credit may be requested [link to new page in development about credit]
    • AND at least 1 month full-time for thesis writing, for which four HMS credits may be applied
  • PhD/MS students: A relevant thesis completed by a candidate for the MD degree while in residence may fulfill the HST thesis requirement

HST Thesis Requirement

Every HST student must complete and submit a thesis based on original, scholarly, and creative laboratory or clinical research as a condition for graduation.

  • Thesis submission deadline: First Monday in February of your final year.
  • Choosing a topic & supervisor: Select your thesis topic with a faculty member who agrees to act as your research supervisor.

Key Roles:

Research Supervisor

The research supervisor is responsible for overseeing the student’s thesis project. The research supervisor is chosen by the student and must be a faculty member of Harvard University or MIT and needs no further approval. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with the MD Research Assistantship advisors prior to final selection.

The research supervisor is expected to:

  • Supervise the research and mentor the student
  • Provide a supportive research environment, facilities, and financial support
  • Evaluate the student’s various submissions, including both proposal and final thesis documents

HST MD Thesis Committee

The HST MD Thesis Committee is responsible for reviewing and evaluating the student’s thesis proposal. The committee is expected to:

  • Review, evaluate, and provide anonymous comments
  • Approve final thesis proposal
  • Approve final thesis for submission for Honors consideration

Readers

Following submission of the HST Thesis, two readers in the student’s field of study are engaged to review and evaluate the student’s thesis. Readers are expected to:

  • Review, evaluate, and provide anonymous feedback.
  • Provide an oral examination for students submitting for Honors consideration.

HMS Honors in a Special Field

HST students are encouraged to submit their thesis for consideration for Honors in a Special Field. Honors in a Special Field includes an oral examination and demonstrating broad knowledge and insight in the disciplinary area(s) of that research.

Eligibility considerations:

  • PhD theses cannot be submitted, but related new work can qualify if not contained in the original PhD thesis
  • MD/MS students may use the same thesis

Deadlines and more information for Honors in a Special Field.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What if I change labs?

Even if you change labs, you will still be required to submit your materials, including a proposal for approval. There is no obligation to choose from which lab you will write your work, as long as you have sufficient data for a thesis. Note, however, if you change labs late without sufficient data for a thesis, you will be obligated to do a 5th year to complete your thesis and research work. 

What happens if I take a 5th year for research?

Deadlines are delayed to align with your new graduation year. If you revert to a 4-year timeline, original deadlines apply.

Why am I asked to submit thesis sections early?

The request to submit portions of your thesis early assists you in keeping track of your progress in the thesis process. Much of the thesis will be vetted, and a significant portion will have already been written by the time the final draft is due in your final year of medical school.

 

What feedback will I get?

Constructive feedback is given to help address any significant issues or problems with the work. It is also very important to check in with your advisor, who will need to read the material in detail prior to submission. 

What if my advisor leaves HMS before I finish?

They may continue as your advisor, but your final thesis must be signed by an HMS or MIT faculty member. Any new work can have a new PI as the advisor.