Introduction
As future physicians, it’s important to have a research background. Research allows clinicians to engage in innovative research practices and exposes clinicians to the scientific method. There is always a need for more physician scientists. In particular, the field of dermatology is a research oriented field. Research is an essential component of the mission statement for the American Academy of Dermatologists: “Promoting leadership in dermatology and excellence in patient care through education, research and advocacy.” Below is a list of many research opportunities for medical students. Please take check out the following websites and check out any research opportunities at your institutions.
Clinical Research Training Program (CRTP):
The Clinical Research Training Program (CRTP) for Medical and Dental Students is a 12-month program designed to attract the most creative, research-oriented medical and dental students to the intramural campus of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland. Participants, known as Fellows, spend a year engaged in a mentored clinical or translational research project in an area that matches their personal interests and goals.
Website: http://www.cc.nih.gov/training/crtp/info.html
Deadline: Jan. 15, 2010
Doris Duke Clinical Research Fellowship for Medical Students:
The Doris Duke Clinical Research Fellowship (CRF) provides support for one year of full-time clinical research training. The main goal of the program is to encourage medical students to pursue careers in clinical research. Interested medical students must be willing to take a year out from school and conduct fellowship research and training at one of 12 hosting medical schools.
Website: http://www.ddcf.org/mrp-crf
Deadline: Jan. 6, 2010
Fogarty International Clinical Research Scholars Program:
This program provides support for graduate-level clinical research activities at the international sites, as well as a stipend for an international graduate student to work alongside the U.S. trainee during the clinical research year. Scholars work at sites that are equipped with the following: an FIC international training grant and an National Institutes of Health (NIH) clinical research grant; strong ethical review and oversight of clinical research; committed interest and expertise in mentoring students; appropriate research facilities; and suitable infrastructure arrangements for housing, food, and transportation.
Website: http://www.aamc.org/students/medstudents/overseasfellowship/
Deadline: Early December 2009
HHMI-NIH Research Scholars Program at the National Institutes of Health ("Cloister Program"):
Research Scholars spend nine months to a year on the NIH campus in Maryland, conducting basic, translational or applied biomedical research under the direct mentorship of senior NIH research scientists.
Website: www.hhmi.org/cloister
Deadline: January 10, 2010
HHMI Research Training Fellowships Program ("Med Fellows Program"):
The Medical Fellows Program supports a year of full-time biomedical research training for medical, dental, and veterinary students. This includes joint initiatives with the Ivy Foundation for student researchers in the neurosciences, particularly neuro-oncology, and the Burroughs Wellcome Fund (BWF) for veterinary students.
Website: www.hhmi.org/medfellowships
Deadline: January 11, 2010
Sarnoff Fellowship Program:
The Sarnoff Fellowship Program offers medical students enrolled in accredited U.S. medical schools the opportunity to spend a year conducting intensive work in a biomedical research laboratory in the United States, other than the medical school in which they are enrolled.
Website: http://www.sarnoffendowment.org/program/information.cfm#schedule
Deadline: Jan. 7, 2010
American Medical Association (AMA) Seed Grant Research Program:
The AMA Foundation provides grants of $2,500 to medical students, physicians residents and fellows to conduct basic science or clinical research projects. Grants will be awarded in four categories: cardiovascular/ pulmonary diseases, HIV/ AIDS, leukemia, and neoplastic diseases.
Website: http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/about-ama/ama-foundation/our-programs/medical-education/seed-grant-research.shtml
Deadline: Dec 11, 2009
National and Regional Student Research Forums:
These four forums offer medical and graduate students the opportunity to present their research, receive meaningful feedback, and participate in scholarly discussions with peers and established scientist. Awards are given to the top‐rated oral and poster presentations. Students should submit an abstract directly to the forum of their choice.
Western Student Medical Research Forum
Website: http://www.wsmrf.org/ Abstract
Deadline: Oct 1, 2009
Forum Date: Jan. 27‐30, 2010 in Carmel, Calif.
Eastern– Atlantic Student Research Forum
Website: http://esrf.mededu.miami.edu/
Abstract deadline: Nov 30, 2009
Forum Date: Feb. 17‐20, 2010 in Miami
Midwest Student Biomedical Research Forum
Website: http://www.unmc.edu/cce/msbrf/
Abstract deadline: Dec. 11, 2009
Forum date: Feb. 20, 2010 in Omaha Neb.
National Student Research Forum
Website: http://www.utmb.edu/nsrf/
Abstract deadline: Jan 2010
Forum date: April 22‐23, 2010 in Galveston, Texas
Dermatology Focused Research
American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) National Conference 2010:
Present your research at the annual AAD meeting with an audience of dermatologists, residents, and medical students. This year, the conference will be held in Miami, Florida from March 5-9, 2010.
Website: http://www.aad.org/meetings/annual/index.html
Abstract Deadline: June 8, 2009
American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Summer Meeting 2010:
Present your research at the annual AAD meeting with an audience of dermatologists, residents, and medical students.
Website: http://www.aad.org/meetings/summer/index.html
Abstract submission: December 2009
Women’s Dermatological Society 2010 Medical Student Awareness Program:
The Medical Student Awareness Program offers grants of up to $2000 to qualifying medical students interested in learning more about dermatology by working with a leading dermatologist in private practice or at a university.
Website: http://www.womensderm.org/grants/medical_student.html
Deadline: Dec. 31, 2009
The CDC Experience Applied Epidemiology Fellowship:
One year fellowship in applied epidemiology for medical students. Selected students will spend 10-12 months at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, GA. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of applied epidemiology, the role of epidemiology in medicine, and the role of a physician in the public health system.
Website: http://www.cdcfoundation.org/index.aspx
Deadline: 11:59 PM EST, Friday, December 4, 2009
Dermatology Foundation Research Awards Program:
Offers development awards, fellowships, and grants that are intended to advance the early research efforts of individuals in dermatology and cutaneous biology. An emphasis is placed on supporting research that benefits the dermatology community at large and has significant potential to advance patient care.
Website: http://dermatologyfoundation.org/rap/
Deadline: October 15, 2009
NIH Clinical/Research Electives:
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) offers a variety of short-term clinical rotations and research elective opportunities, as well as specialized “year out” programs designed to provide advanced training in basic science, translational research, or clinical research, to highly qualified medical and dental students.
Website: http://www.cc.nih.gov/training/students/clinical_electives.html
Deadline: Depends on rotation