The MeRIT Scholars Program

At Baylor College of Medicine, the Department of Medicine faculty believes that the training of future academic physician-investigators is one of our top priorities. Therefore, we have developed a new research track within our residency program called Medical Resident Investigator Track, or MeRIT, that allows residents to pursue their research interests with faculty from Baylor and other neighboring academic institutions.

The depth and breadth of opportunities for MeRIT Program training with preeminent investigators in both clinical and basic science departments is truly remarkable. MeRIT involves two years (instead of the usual three years) of clinical training and three uninterrupted years of research training. The three years of research training can be performed at the end of the two years of clinical residency, or they can be performed at the end of subspecialty training at Baylor. Thus, the MeRIT scholar has the ability to custom design his/her research training experience to maximize career development.

During the three research years, at least 20 percent of each year must be spent in clinical experiences, including at least one half-day per week in a continuity clinic. The resident will not have on-call responsibilities during his/her research time. Furthermore, one of the research years can be used to fulfill the research requirement for subspecialty board certification.

Internal medicine residents chosen for the MeRIT Program are expected to be among the top residents selected, not only on the basis of extraordinary clinical competence but also on commitment to pursuing academic careers as physician-investigators. MeRIT scholars are assured funding for the entire five years of the program. As you make plans for residency training, we hope you will consider the MeRIT Program and think about collaborating with its distinguished group of faculty.