Why participate in research as a medical student? For many medical students, research provides an opportunity to discover new knowledge in an area of medicine that they are passionate about. For students considering careers in academic medicine, research experiences allow them to see first hand what academic medicine entails. Research also provides students an opportunity to work closely with faculty members who serve as mentors and career advisors. In addition, research experiences enhance students' critical thinking and problem solving abilities, skills essential for excellence in clinical practice. UAB medical students have a number of options for engaging in research while pursuing their medical education. These options range from summer research experiences to dual degree programs.
Medical Student Research Day
The 2009 Medical Student Research Day was held on October 27, 2009 in Volker Hall.
Short Term Research Opportunities
Medical students often choose to undertake research during the summer between the first and second years of medical school. Opportunities exist for students to participate in basic biomedical, clinical, translational, and global health research.
Long Term Research Opportunities
Medical Students who have completed their preclinical years may opt to take a year out to engage in elective research. Students may choose to stay at UAB or go to another institution for their research. There are a number of competitive fellowships available to support this form of research.
Scholarly Activity
Medical Students are required to engage in a scholarly project during their third year. The areas of the projects vary with the individual interests of the students and range from laboratory research to medical humanities. A list of potential mentors is now available.
MD/Master of Biomedical Sciences in Clinical and Translational Research
The UAB Center for Clinical and Translational Science offers a Masters of Biomedical Sciences in Clinical and Translational Research for UAB medical students interested in translating basic research findings into studies of human subjects. Medical students who are accepted into this program undertake an additional year of combined research and course work uner the guidance of a successful mentor-investigator, allowing both the MD and MS to be completed in five years. Students with clinical research interests in the areas of epidemiology, biostatistics, health behavior, or environmental health should consider applying for the MSPH in Clinical and Translational Research. For further information, please contact Dr. Dale J. Benos, Director- Research Education, Training, and Career Development Component, UAB CCTS; UAHSF Endowed Chair of Biomedical Research and Chair, Department of Physiology and Biophysics.
MD/MPH
The UAB Schools of Medicine and Public Health offer a Coordinated MD/MPH degree for those students interested in combining medicine with public health practice or population based research. Both programs can be completed in five years by devoting one year of study to public health between the second and third or the third and fourth years of the medical school curriculum.
Literature and Essary Contests
A list of literature and essay contests in the Medical Humanities.