Research skills for medical students: a summer assistantship in family medicine.

This report presents a description of a summer research assistantship program for first- and second-year medical students. The program's goals are to develop and enhance students' research capabilities and to familiarize students with clinical research in family practice. The program provides sponsorship of a student by a faculty member, with a $1,120 stipend for students, as well as seminars on research skills. A pre- and post-program questionnaire and test documented significant improvements in students' perceived knowledge of research methodology. This structured summer research program is an effective way to introduce and emphasize essential research skills.