Table 2.

Evaluation by the trainees (a) and truncated anecdotal comments from the trainees (b). From 2016 to 2018, trainees provided responses to four evaluation questions using a four-point scale ranging from outstanding (1) to poor (2). In 2019, the same evaluation questions were administered but on a five-point scale (1 – strongly agree, 2 – agree, 3 – undecided, 4 – disagree, and 5 – strongly disagree). Both the trainee and the mentor were encouraged to provide comments at the bottom of the evaluation forms

a. Questions	2016–2018 (n = 7)	2019 (n = 11)
Q1. My mentor challenged my understanding of the scientific literature.	86% outstanding 14% excellent	82% strongly agree 18% agree
Q2. I learned how to begin to integrate the latest scientific information into concepts of improving understanding and treatment of diseases.	71% outstanding 29% excellent	82% strongly agree 18% agree
Q3. This elective helped me to begin to understand how to integrate basic science into clinical investigation.	100% outstanding	91% strongly agree 9% agree
Q4. This has been a valuable experience.	100% outstanding	91% strongly agree 9% agree
b. Trainees’ comments
… this experience gave me wonderful insight on how to practice translational medicine and science in order to bridge the gaps between the labs and clinics.
I have gained an immense appreciation of the ongoing need for readily translatable therapies in preclinical models that can be applied in clinical settings.
The clinical experience has been invaluable.
My experience in the clinic has challenged my critical thinking in a meaningful way. It makes me think how to not only make my study understandable at the basic science level but also at the translational level.
Thank you for the learning opportunity! I also feel that I have a closer connection to the diseases I study by now seeing the patients in person who are fighting these diseases.
I got a much better idea of what the ailments I am studying actually entail by visiting the clinic.
This rotation with Dr. N was without doubt the best aspect of the TL1 program, and maybe one of the best experiences in my graduate school training thus far. I don’t think there are enough words to accurately describe how incredible and impactful this rotation has been. This was an incredible rotation!