The Iowa Medical Student Research Program (IMSRP) encourages medical students to participate in research experiences and to continue their engagement with scientific research throughout medical school and beyond.
More than 250 faculty members have been involved and serve as potential research mentors for interested students and more than 200 students have graduated with Research Distinction.
The IMSRP is overseen by the Medical Student Research Council, composed of physicians and biomedical researchers from throughout CCOM who have volunteered to assist with activities, judge presentations, and monitor student progress and the integrity of the Research Distinction Track.
Meet some of our students
Research in medical school: Emily Parker studies a hormone’s influence on sports injuries
Tuesday, September 27, 2022
Research in medical school: Caleb Escudero explores hydrogel for ear tubes
Friday, September 23, 2022
Q&A with Ian McElree: Saving lives through storytelling with research data
Tuesday, September 7, 2021
Q&A with Anthony Piscopo: Clinical research sparked neurosurgery passion and new research skills
Tuesday, September 7, 2021
Q&A with Stephanie Saey: Contributing to patient care through scientific innovation
Tuesday, September 7, 2021
Q&A with Soham Ali: Discovering the nuances of physiology and disease through colorectal cancer research
Tuesday, September 7, 2021
Iowa Medical Student Research Program Opportunities
- The Summer Research Fellowship Program allows pre-M1 (newly admitted) and M1 students to participate in a summer research project of their choosing with a faculty mentor here at the Carver College of Medicine. Students are paid a stipend to help cover their living costs while working on the project. Information about the Fellowship Program is disseminated through email announcements, the medical student Research Interest Group, and announcements at events throughout the year.
- The Medical Student Research Conference is an opportunity for the Carver College of Medicine community to enjoy learning about research projects conducted by medical students in the college. Events include both oral and poster research presentations. Presentations are judged by physician-scientists, biomedical researchers and faculty who score the quality of the presentations. Recognition for best research presentations in various categories is noted through awarding of certificates and nominal cash award at an invited banquet following the presentations.
- The Research Distinction Track (RDT) is designed for students to participate in mentored research throughout the four years of medical school. Students admitted to the track exhibit excellence in research, including presentation of research at meetings and writing of research results in manuscript form. This distinction track is mentioned in the student's Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE) Letter for residency programs if the student is on-track to complete all program requirements by the beginning of the M4 year. Mention is also noted on the academic transcript and in the graduation program.
Year Out Research Programs
A few students choose to complete a year-long research program while in medical school. Students can chose from on- or off-campus options, including the following:
- The Emory Warner Pathology Research Fellowship offers students an opportunity to participate in a year-long research project exploring the cellular and molecular basis of disease.
- The Corneal Medical Student Research Fellowship Corneal Flyer.pdf is designed to give medical students planning to apply to ophthalmology residency an opportunity to build substantial clinical research experience.
- The University of Iowa Otolaryngology Medical Student Research Scholar Fellowship is a one-year (July to June) program focused on research and publication and targeted for those interested in a career in Otolaryngology.
- The Sarnoff Medical Student Research Fellowship Program offers students an opportunity to participate in a year-long research project in cardiovascular research. For more information, please contact Ms. Dana Boyd, Executive Director at dboyd@SarnoffFoundation.org.
- The Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Medical Student Fellowship offers a year of research to conduct translational research in muscular dystrophy in the Howard Hughes Medical Institute at Carver College of Medicine.
- The NIH Medical Research Scholars Program offers a 12-month training program designed for students who are U.S. citizens and permanent residents who have a strong interest in conducting basic, clinical, translational, or population health research and are currently enrolled in their 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year at an accredited medical, dental, or veterinary program.
- The American Society of Hematology offers a year-long opportunity for medical students to gain experience in hematology research under ASH member mentors.
- Global Health Equity Scholars Program 12-month, NIH-supported, mentored training in global health research designed to address health inequities and improve population health.