Whether you intend to pursue a career in academic medicine or private practice, skills in analytical thinking and rational decision making are essential for medical practice in the 21st century. By having students design, perform, and present a scholarly project of their own choosing, the Scholarly Activity provides a unique opportunity to develop and enhance skills in analytical thinking and rational decision making. The Scholarly Activity is a required component of the curriculum. During year 3, each student will work on a scholarly project that culminates in a final written report. It is our hope, that under the mentorship of a faculty expert, you will use this opportunity to develop a project that embodies not only your talents, but also your passions.
The Scholarly Activity allows students to explore all facets of scholarship. As defined by Boyer (1990), scholarship encompasses the full scope of academic work and includes:
The Scholarship of Discovery - original research.
The Scholarship of Integration - interdisciplinary work in which connections are made across disciplines.
The Scholarship of Application -the application of theory to practice and the bidirectional relationship between theory and practice.
The Scholarship of Teaching - communication of knowledge to learners and the creation and sharing of knowledge about the practice of teaching.
Boyer, E.L. 1990. Scholarship Reconsidered: Priorities of the Professoriate. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, Princeton, NJ.
Goals of the Scholarly Activity
- Provide students with an opportunity to employ their unique skills and talents to pursue a project of their choosing under the mentorship of an expert in the field.
- Provide mentorship and guidance for students interested in careers that integrate research, teaching, and clinical service (academic medicine).
- Foster development of analytical thinking skills, rational decision making, and attention to the scientific method.
- Enhance communication skills.
- Enhance self-directed learning.
If you have any questions concerning the Scholarly Activity, please contact:
Peter R. Smith, Ph.D.
Director for the Scholarly Activity
Phone: 934-4170
Email: prsmith@uab.edu
or
April M. Boyd
Coordinator for the Scholarly Activity
Phone: 934-4130
Email: aboyd@uab.edu