The Women’s Health Research Consortium: A novel framework for expanding women’s health research

Background: Medical research is a vital component of medical practice and the ability to effectively complete quality research is key to driving change. Research participation in medical school is important, but the process can be challenging to navigate. Medical research focused on women’s health is historically lacking despite attempts to improve this disparity. This study was designed to evaluate the impact of a new research model on student research participation in the field of women’s health. Methods: The Women’s Health Research Consortium (WHRC) was formed with the mission to improve medical student access, engagement, and support regarding the research process and to specifically address disparity in women’s health research in Southeast Louisiana. The Consortium was built in a multi-faceted style to provide support throughout the research process. Annual surveys were distributed to evaluate the effectiveness of the WHRC and the impact of these projects on improving women’s health research. Surveys were analyzed with one-way ANOVA to evaluate impact of WHRC participation. Results: Participants were more satisfied with available research opportunities and more likely to initiate their own projects, and experienced less barriers to initiating projects. Women’s health focused research increased. Students became comfortable identifying research mentors and navigating the Institutional Review Board application process. Conclusions: The formation of a medical student-led research Consortium improved student satisfaction with research opportunities and increased participation in women’s health-related research. The WHRC model is easily replicated and may improve research knowledge and accessibility for medical students and other trainees across the country.