The small class size, along with the diversity of intellectual interests represented in HST, makes the interaction between students and faculty relaxed and rewarding for both. HST students are expected to become actively involved in a research project with members of the faculty. Such research is often conducted longitudinally throughout the student's medical studies and is funded through tuition credit and stipend under appointment as a Research Assistant. It is also common to slow the rate of progress through the curriculum to allow more time to be devoted to a student project. Since the HST Society seeks to design individualized programs, there is no single curriculum.
Many variations are possible and encouraged.
In many of the courses offered in the first and second years, experience with patients emphasizes the significance for understanding medical science as it pertains to health and illness. Indeed, during the summer between these two years, many different types of research opportunities are made available to students who are interested in exploring this type of connection. Student interests run the gamut from involvement in various health care programs to bench type biomedical endeavors. During the last two years, when students in the HST Society are reunited with their New Pathway peers, many courses are offered to complement Harvard Medical School clerkships. HST-specific clinical electives are available to those interested in a more advanced exploration of clinical medicine.