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Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine

Medical Student Research FAQ

Medical Student Research FAQ

  • How do I find a research mentor?

    To find a research mentor, first identify your research interests and career goals to align with a mentor whose expertise fits. Consult faculty and academic advisors and attend relevant seminars and conferences to network. Review recent publications to find researchers of interest and reach out via email to inquire about mentorship. Be proactive and persistent, as forming a mentorship takes time and effort.

    AMA Clinical and Research Opportunities Database

  • I want to work on a research project with a faculty member at another institution. What do I need to do?

    Even if the project is approved by an external IRB, because of the learner’s affiliation with the University of Houston, UH IRB must be involved. They may decide to cede oversight to the external IRB or require full committee review. While there are reciprocity agreements in place, researchers should involve the UH IRB early. A UH faculty member is required to act as an administrative support for students.

  • When can I do research?

    Medical students may participate in research at any time throughout their four years. However, all students are required to complete a Student Scholarly Project (SSP) as part of their Physicians, Patients and Populations course in their preclinical years.

  • How do I submit travel requests or absence requests for conferences?

    Contact the Office of Student Affairs for more information.

  • Where can I present my research?

    Finding opportunities to submit medical research as a medical student requires a proactive and strategic approach. Begin by exploring the various academic journals that publish student research, such as The American Medical Student Research Journal and Journal of Student Research. Networking with faculty mentors and peers can provide insider knowledge about upcoming submission deadlines and special issues focused on student research. Additionally, online platforms and databases like PubMed, ResearchGate, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) provide valuable information on current calls for papers and submission guidelines. Here are a few conferences that can provide valuable opportunities for networking, learning, and presenting research:

    1. American Medical Association (AMA) Medical Student Section (MSS) Annual Meeting
    2. American Physician Scientists Association (APSA) Annual Meeting
    3. Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Annual Meeting
    4. Global Health & Innovation Conference by Unite For Sight
    5. National Student Research Forum (NSRF)
    6. American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) National Conference of Family Medicine Residents and Medical Students
    7. Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM) Conference on Medical Student Education
    8. American College of Physicians (ACP) Internal Medicine Meeting
    9. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference & Exhibition
    10. Student National Medical Association (SNMA) Annual Medical Education Conference (AMEC)
    11. International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA) General Assembly
    12. American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA) Annual Meeting
    13. American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress
    14. American Psychiatric Association (APA) Annual Meeting
    15. American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting
    16. American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting
    17. American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) Scientific Assembly
    18. Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Annual Meeting