Students want classes to emphasize areas that are relevant preparation for medical school, graduate school, or industry. We are being challenged to stay abreast of all current advances in our fields to demonstrate relevancy and to integrate the basic concepts into these advanced applications. They demand that the classes are interesting and well-taught, while still providing them with the basic material needed. Students believe that a research experience provides them an advantage when being considered for medical school, graduate school, or industry. This has challenged colleges that have been exclusively teaching institutions to encourage existing faculty to engage in research or to hire new faculty with a demonstrated interest in conducting research.
Faculty have the opportunity to stimulate student interest through research as a result.
Also this challenge has provided faculty the opportunity to demonstrate the relevancy of the concepts and techniques that the students have spent hours learning. My passion for doing science has brought an increased student interest to our department. They like being associated with a program and with educators that are actively involved in their field. Students want to be part of an exciting discipline and they want to see that you are excited as well. As students interest and involvement increases so does the opportunity to influence them positively in other areas whether it be academic or personal.