MSPE Scholarly Activity Template
A paragraph describing your Scholarly Activity will be included in your MSPE (Medical Student
Performance Evaluation) letter.
Title your file:
<Your last name> <Your first name> MSPEparagraph <Your anticipated graduation year>
Example: Doe_Jane_MSPEparagraph_2017
This is important, since each of your fellow students will also be submitting a proposal.
Send your paragraph to Rachael Smith: rachael.smith@hsc.utah.edu
Formatting:
 Times New Roman font
 12 point font
 1-inch margins
Length: no more than 10 lines of text
File format: MS Word
 Do NOT send a PDF
Write in the 3rd person (e.g., “he”, “she”), or use your first name, if using a name (see
examples).
Only report on the research that was approved for your Scholarly Activity requirement.
 Do not include other research that you may have conducted either before or during
medical school.
Paragraph Template
The following template is provided to assist you. You are not required to follow this template
exactly. However, please include all of the components that are relevant to your project.
Place your name at the top of the page
Briefly describe your research topic.
 Examples:
o Gabriel studied a novel method of evaluating the genetic basis of congenital heart
disease in families with multiple affected members.
o Derek was a member of a student team that created a device designed to reduce
the morbidity associated with the cervical tenaculum currently used for
gynecologic procedures.
o Andrew is investigating the exposure of pediatric patients, hospitalized for asthma
exacerbations, to secondhand tobacco smoke.
List the faculty member or researcher who supervised your research, their degree(s),
department and institution.
 Examples:
o His research was carried out under the supervision of Neil E. Bowles, PhD, in the
Department of Pediatric Cardiology at the University of Utah.
o His research is being supervised by Matthew Thiese, M.D., in the Department of
Family Medicine, and the Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational &
Environment Health at the University of Utah.
Briefly describe your research methods and results.
 Examples:
o Gabriel analyzed DNA of multiple members of different families to show that
exome sequencing could be considered as a practical alternative to whole genome
sequencing as a means of discovering the genetic cause of diseases that exist
within those families.
o CAD modeling techniques and 3D printing technologies were used to create a
“cervical bell” that utilizes a greater force distribution to reduce the amount of
trauma to the cervix while still allowing for its visualization and manipulation.
Testing was done on anatomical models for proof of concept and showed a
significant reduction in morbidity.
Briefly describe any presentations or publications resulting from your work.
 Do not include full citations such as for published papers, manuscripts in preparation,
abstracts of conference presentations; these should be reserved for your CV.
 Examples:
o He presented his findings at the 2011 Molecular Medicine and Medical Research
Program Conference, in Park City, UT.
o His research was published 2012 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Genetics.
o He is first author on a manuscript in preparation for the journal of Otolaryngology
- Head and Neck Surgery.
List any awards you received for your research.
 Example:
o She received the 1st Place Basic Science Prize at the American Academy of
Pediatrics Meeting Section on Urology in San Francisco, CA (2012).
List any grants or other support you received to support your research.
 Example:
o Her research was supported by a 2012 NIH T-35 summer research grant from the
University of Utah.
Example paragraphs
Gabriel studied a novel method of evaluating the genetic basis of congenital heart disease in
families with multiple affected members. His research was carried out under the supervision of
Neil E. Bowles, PhD, in the Department of Pediatric Cardiology at the University of Utah.
Gabriel analyzed DNA of multiple members of different families to show that exome sequencing
could be considered as a practical alternative to whole genome sequencing as a means of
discovering the genetic cause of diseases that exist within those families. His research was
supported by a 2011 NIH T-35 Summer Research Grant. Gabriel presented his findings at the
2011 Molecular Medicine and Medical Research Program Conference, in Park City, UT. His
research was published 2012 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Genetics.
Derek was a member of a student team that created a device designed to reduce the morbidity
associated with the cervical tenaculum currently used for gynecologic procedures. The research
was supervised by Marc Jackson, M.D., in the Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the
University of Utah. CAD modeling techniques and 3D printing technologies were used to create
a “cervical bell” that utilizes a greater force distribution to reduce the amount of trauma to the
cervix while still allowing for its visualization and manipulation. Testing was done on
anatomical models for proof of concept and showed a significant reduction in morbidity. The
team presented their project at the 2011 Bench-to-Bedside Competition at the Huntsman Cancer
Institute in Salt Lake City. The project won two awards totaling $15,000, and culminated in the
submission of a pending patent (application patent number 61/518,257).
Andrew is investigating the exposure of pediatric patients, hospitalized for asthma exacerbations,
to secondhand tobacco smoke. His work is being carried out at Primary Children’s Medical
Center under the direction of Kevin Nelson, MD,PhD, in the University of Utah’s Department of
Pediatrics. Andrew will be collecting saliva and hair samples which will be tested for cotinine, a
nicotine byproduct. These data will be compared to survey results regarding exposure, previously
obtained from the patient’s caregivers. The goal is to determine whether suspected
underreporting is in fact occurring. This project is ongoing. Andrew will present his findings at
the 2014 Student Research Pediatric Grand Rounds and the 2014 Medical Student Research
Symposium.
FAQs
Will I be able to modify my MSPE paragraph after I submit it?
Yes, you will be able to submit a revised paragraph until the end of September in your 4th year.
This will provide you an opportunity to update it with new data, manuscripts or presentations.
I have not yet started my Scholarly Activity research. What should I write in my MSPE
paragraph?
Use the template above to describe your research focus and methods and state “The [project or
study] will be carried out beginning in [month, year].”
I do not yet have results from my Scholarly Activity research. What should I write in my
MSPE paragraph?
Describe your research focus and methods, as in the paragraph template above, and state “The
[project or study] is ongoing.”
I carried out more than one research project that I received approval for as my Scholarly
Activity. Can I include both in my MSPE paragraph?
Yes, however you will still need to keep within the 10-line limit for your paragraph.