Clinical Connections [MSTP:8512] is a highly successful required component of the MSTP that allows students to maintain clinical exposure and experience during graduate training. Students in the graduate phase of training choose a clinical preceptor from a pool of faculty members chosen based on their ability to be inspiring teachers and role models. Many Clinical Connections preceptors are active physician-scientists.

• Each student is required to complete four rotations in Clinical Connections (beginning the second year in lab during the fall semester after beginning their graduate work).
• Each rotation consists of a mentored clinical experience (either inpatient or outpatient) 4 1/2 days or 2 full days for one semester.
• Four weeks of clinical clerkship credit are awarded by the CCOM for participation in Clinical Connections.

Importantly, Clinical Connections exposes MSTP students to physician-scientist role models, eases the transition back into the medical curriculum, and helps students explore potential subspecialty areas for residency and future career direction. This is accomplished with minimal interruption of their thesis work.

• Students receive a grade (P/F) and credit is received. Some students elect to participate in more than four semesters of Clinical Connections, often to explore additional clinical specialties.
• Further, many students complete an extra Clinical Connection rotation near the end of their graduate training to refresh their clinical skills prior to returning to clinical clerkships.