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Comprehensive Research Experience for Medical Students (CREMS)

Today, the importance of research for the progress of medicine is widely recognized.  The ability for critical thinking, scientific inquiry and generation of new medical knowledge are highly valued assets in physicians, who are in a position to contribute to both frontline clinical care and advancement of medicine.  Thus, there is a strong interest in many medical schools to develop research interests in medical trainees and to recruit clinical scientists to their faculty.  From medical students’ perspective, especially those interested in a future research career, establishing a strong track record in undergraduate medical research will be favoured by hospital or residency admission committees, opening up a broader spectrum of career avenues.     

Comprehensive Research Experience for Medical Students (CREMS) Programs is meant to be a unique research program in Canada that allows interested medical students to gain extracurricular research experiences in various structured programs without interrupting their medical studies.  As part of the CREMS programs, a longitudinal program (20 months) was established where participants receive formal recognition for successful completion.  Also, the opportunity for a shorter summer program of research experience (10-12 weeks) was expanded.  Specifically, the objectives of these programs are to meet the needs of medical students to explore research and gain valuable research experience, to prepare medical students for a career as a physician with a good research foundation and understanding of biomedical research, and to engage and encourage students to consider a career as a clinician-scientist.