The combined M.D. and Ph.D. program (medical science scholar program) is the most significant research experience a medical student can have. But it is not the only significant experience a medical student can have. Many summer and "year-off" research training programs have been developed that allow a medical student to either stay at the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine or move to a different location. The programs listed below are all remarkably similar; they vary based upon the source of funding, the location, whether or not they have didactic training components, and whether or not they require you to have identified a mentor/project before you apply. Below is a list of both summer and several "year-off" programs. They are all established, extremely well funded and well worth consideration by all medical students who may have an interest in basic science, clinical or translational research training.