Abstract: Objectives To investigate the attitudes, experience and self-evaluations on research training among eight-year-program medical students in Peking Union Medical College(PUMC), thereby evaluating the efficacy of current research training program and to explore more effective modes. Methods A questionnaire-based research was conducted among 64 medical students from the eight-year-program (enrolled in 2012 and 2013) in PUMC. The differences between two grades were statistically analyzed. Results Eight-year-program medical students generally agreed that clinical knowledge and skills had priority over research training during clinical training stage. Improvement in research capacity and achievements in scientific publications were the most important motivations for students. 68.8% students were interested in research training, hoping to enhance their abilities including academic writing, study design, data analysis, and experimental skills. 84.5% students agreed that research training was difficult and admitted that heavy burden of academic and clinical assignments were the biggest obstacle to research training. 82.8% of the students had research experience, but the scientific achievements they produced were scarce. The self-evaluation of students’ scientific qualities/competence was generally low. Conclusions The eight-year-program medical students of PUMC have a keen interest in research training. However, many difficulties exist. Optimization and personalization of training program is probably helpful for those medical students.

Key words: Eight-year-program medical students, research training, perception and attitude, research capabilities