Philosophy

To provide an academic challenge and training in independent analytical thought to promising medical students.

The goal of the Howard Holderness Distinguished Medical Scholars program is to produce thoughtful clinicians and researchers who are capable of in-depth and critical independent analysis of the comtemporary medical literature.  Whether scholars pursue a career in basic science or clinical research, academic medicine, private practice, health policy, or other areas related to medicine, it is our belief that students trained to practice and enjoy the rigors of scholarly thinking will serve as a resource to others and raise the quality of the efforts of those around them. From this philosophy derives our view that the independent project chosen by the student may be bench research or any other plan of study approved by the committee.  Also integral to this philosophy is participation in the student led bi-monthly seminar series during which students will analyze, critique, and think critically about current topics of debate within the medical literature.