My name is Brett Chamberlin and after my 3rd year of medical school I was granted a 1-year Leave of Absence to pursue a personal research interest at Virginia Commonwealth University. As I progressed through my clerkships during third year, I realized how quickly medical education shifts from an emphasis on science during the first 2 years to an emphasis on application there on after. As my intellectual curiosity in the fields of immunology and endocrinology grew, I became very interested in specifically dedicating some time to gain a better understanding and perhaps contribute to the science of these emerging fields.

After contacting the doctor with whom I intended to work, I proposed my research plans to the Dean of Student Affairs who was very receptive to the idea. Because this was not part of any officially recognized research fellowship, the application process consisted mainly of proving to the administration that my plans were indeed in the best interest of my medical education and career. This was done by submitting a leave of absence request and a brief summary of the academic interests that I intended to pursue during that year.

It turned out that my decision to pursue a research year in the middle of medical school was one of the best decisions I could have made. Apart from the greater depth of understanding that I was able to develop from a purely scientific view, stepping away from medicine allowed me to return to medical school with a fresh new perspective on medicine. I found myself working with a renewed energy and a better understanding of where exactly I was supposed to fit in as part of the medical team. It also gave me a better appreciation of exactly how much of medicine is not an exact science and the constantly evolving nature of medical knowledge.

I would highly recommend any student who is interested in pursuing a research year to explore the possibilities open to them. I firmly believe that the College of Medicine's greatest asset is the willingness of Texas A&M to work with each individual student to help them shape their own medical education as it best fits them. Ultimately, our education and success as future physicians is our own responsibility.