Do We Need More Structured MD Thesis Programs? A Propensity Score Matched Analysis of the Research Program at the Medical Faculty Dresden

Introduction: Conducting a Medical Doctorate (MD) thesis is desired by the majority of medical students. However, the needed scientific competencies are not regularly implemented in medical education. To support students during their MD thesis, a graduate college was implemented. The present study aims to investigate the impact of this structured MD thesis program on the outcome of the MD thesis and the further scientific career.

Methods: An online survey covering 59 items was distributed to all current and former medical students who officially started their MD thesis from 2011 to 2022. The survey investigated the impact of the structured MD thesis program on the scientific development of participating students compared to students outside the structured program.

Results: Based on a total of 370 complete answers, the analysis indicated that participants of the structured program have a significantly better outcome of their MD thesis compared to the control cohort based on objective parameters such as the thesis grade, the number of first-author publications, attendance of congresses, and the number of rewards. Additionally, participation in the program led to a more sustainable integration of students into research measured by the participation or pursuit of clinician scientist programs. Propensity score matched analyses of 60 participants confirmed the results.

Conclusion: Participation in a structured MD thesis program significantly improved the outcome and may support sustainable integration into research. Therefore, the implementation of such programs should be further expanded to secure the education of scientifically trained MD graduates.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40670-024-02077-x.