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Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine

Research Support for All Levels

Whether you're a beginner or looking to advance your research skills, the Medical Student Research Hub provides resources and support for every stage of your scientific journey.

Why Research Matters

Research is integral to advancing medicine. Engaging in research deepens students' understanding of medical concepts and contributes to the knowledge that drives the future of health care.

  • Advancing Medical Knowledge

    Research provides medical students with the opportunity to enrich scientific understanding, fueling innovation and progress.

  • Improving Patient Outcomes

    Research drives improvements in patient care by identifying best practices, optimizing treatment strategies and developing innovative therapies.

  • Preparing for Future Careers

    Participating in research equips medical students with hands-on experience, professional networks, and a competitive edge for residency and specialized fields.

Medical Student Research Opportunities

A variety of research opportunities are available to students as they advance through medical school.

  • Biomedical Sciences Summer Research Program

    This program provides medical students with the opportunity to conduct original research under the guidance of faculty members in the Biomedical Sciences Department of the College of Medicine, while learning about the importance of research and the scientific method. Students will receive a summer stipend and financial support for travel to a conference to present their scholarly work. 

  • Student Scholarly Project (SSP)

    All students must complete a Student Scholarly Project, a research component of the Physicians, Patients and Populations course. This is an in-depth, mentored, learning experience. It allows students to apply their coursework in biostatistics, evidence-based medicine, public health and bioinformatics. Paired students are matched with research mentors for the year and present a poster during Student Scholarly Project Research Day.

  • STEM Research Inquiry Summer Enrichment Program

    The STEM RISE program offers medical students the opportunity to conduct research in a UH STEM lab as part of a team that includes both UH undergraduate STEM majors and Jack Yates high school students. All students participate in hands-on instruction and receive professional development on best practices in research, teaching, and mentoring.

  • Humana Institute Interprofessional Summer Health Equity Research Program (SHERP)

    Interprofessional teams of undergraduate and graduate students work together over several weeks to create solutions to solve today’s problems in health care. In a hybrid format, students participate in didactic and educational sessions to learn about population health and data science. At the conclusion of the program, a Shark Tank-style competition is held.

  • Research Electives

    During their Advanced Clerkship Electives, students can choose four or eight weeks of research for academic credit.

  • Other Opportunities

    Students may participate in additional research opportunities not listed here. Please contact medstudentresearch@uh.edu for more information.

Activities & Events

The Office of Student Research hosts different events for medical students throughout the year. This wide array of activities is designed to foster academic and professional growth.

  • Journal Club Meeting

    October 9, 2024 @ 12 P.M. please join us as we cohost a Journal Club Meeting with Pediatric Student Interest Group (PSIG). We will learn about New Pediatric Developmental Milestone Guidelines and lunch will be provided for the first 25 attendees. Location: ALC 1200 or Teams. 

    Full Article

  • Graduate & Professional Student Mixer & Movie Night
    Wednesday, October 2, 2024 UH Graduate School and Humana Institute co-host an evening of networking and a screening of the Academy Award-nominated documentary Heroin(e). The evening will include a panel discussion and exploration of the opioid pandemic. Free food and refreshments will be provided. Register by September 18, 2024 to join as attendance is limited to the first 50 registrants.

  • Journal Club

    Medical students and faculty critically review and discuss recent scientific literature to foster an environment of continuous learning and stay updated on the latest research developments.

  • HEALER – Health care Education And Learning for Emerging Researchers

    This workshop series provides hands-on training in research methodologies, data analysis, and scientific writing.

  • Guest Speakers

    Distinguished researchers share insights from their cutting-edge work and discuss various pathways for students to get involved in research projects, providing inspiration and practical advice on initiating and sustaining a successful research career.

How We Support Student Success

These offerings aim to provide comprehensive support and resources to medical students and researchers, enabling them to thrive in their research endeavors and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of medical science and patient care.

  • Guidance and Support

    Access a range of resources and expert help for you to meet your goals.

     

  • Educational Workshops

    Participate in training programs and workshops to enhance your research skills, from literature review to data analysis.

  • Presentation Skills Development

    Attend training and workshops to enhance your skills to present research findings professionally and effectively.

  • Networking Opportunities

    Connect with like-minded peers and experienced researchers to foster collaborations and expand your professional network.

  • Research Opportunities

    Explore a diverse range of research projects spanning various medical disciplines and specialties.

    View Student Research Opportunities >>

  • Personalized Consultations

    Students starting new research or seeking assistance with ongoing projects can schedule consultations to receive tailored guidance.

Medical Student Resources & Offerings

  • Medical Student Research Association

    Established in 2023 to promote scholarship and research advancement among medical students at UH. For more information, contact msra@uh.edu.

  • Travel Support for Student Presentations

    Through the Office of Academic Affairs, students can receive up to $500 per academic year towards travel for a conference presentation. For more information, contact uhcomsa@central.uh.edu or view here.

  • Statistical Support

    Consult with statisticians to provide statistical expertise and guidance to student researchers working on health-related data analysis projects. For more information, contact medstudentresearch@uh.edu.

  • Presenting Research at Scientific Conferences

    Poster presentations should use the UH Marketing approved template and must be vetted by their office before public presentation.

  • Software & Licenses

    Software licenses may be available via AccessUH or by request from specific departments in limited quantities. 

  • Student IRB Guide
    The Student Institutional Review Board (IRB) Guide contains information for all University students to reference.

  • Medical Student Research FAQ

    Find answers to Frequently Asked Questions about research by College of Medicine students. 

  • HPE Data Science Institute

    Free courses to learn data science skills, R, Python, Excel, machine learning and more.

     

Questions?

We're here to help! Feel free to reach out anytime with questions or concerns. We're committed to supporting your research journey and helping you succeed as a future health care leader. Please contact us at medstudentresearch@uh.edu.