The study discusses the transition from an informal to a formal research fellowship program at the American University of Beirut-Medical Center (AUB-MC) in Lebanon. It assesses the views of fellows and mentors on the current program and gathers suggestions for a structured training program. The study, based on focus groups and interviews, identifies challenges such as unstructured recruitment, ill-defined roles, and financial constraints, and suggests improvements like a formal contract, a database for position matching, and mentorship training. The proposed formal program includes didactic sessions, presentations, and workshops, aiming to enhance career development and foster a research environment in Lebanon and similar contexts.