• Types of Research Opportunities for MD Students
• How to Get Started
• Key Areas of Research
• Become a Research Mentor for Medical Students

Research is the driving force behind medical advancement. It enables us to remain on the cutting edge of an evolving field while discovering new information and developing new methods for treating disease. Without research, our understanding of disease processes would remain stagnant, and treatments would fail to progress.

Research experience changes the way students learn to think as physicians and influence their practice of medicine. It also has the potential to open new doors, as many residencies look for research experience. Additionally, research may spark an interest in academic medicine or inspire someone to pursue a job in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry.

Drexel University College of Medicine recognizes the importance of research in medical education and encourages students to take an active role in their respective fields of study. This type of hands-on experience not only enhances what they're learning in the classroom, but it allows students to start contributing to the world of medicine at an early stage in their career.

Through the assistance of the Office of Student Affairs and Career Advising, our students choose from several different types of research opportunities that explore a variety of key areas in medicine. More than half of our students currently participate in some form of research.

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Types of Research Opportunities for MD Students

The Office of Student Affairs and Career Advising can help students to identify research opportunities appropriate for their interests. Students typically choose one (or several) research experiences based on their schedule and availability. In addition to the formal opportunities listed below, students often do research during medical school concurrent with their courses and/or clerkships. Many students do research at a location other than Drexel or at one of its affiliated clinical sites.

From summer programs to those that are integrated with a current course load, Drexel University College of Medicine aims to provide every student with the opportunity to participate in research.

The formal research opportunities that are currently offered include:

• Six weeks of funded research during the summer between years one and two (Medical Student Summer Research Fellowship)
• One year of research between years three and four (EDGE program or MD/MS dual degree)
• An elective during the fourth year (four or eight weeks) can be done at a Drexel regional or clinical site or at an away elective site
• Scholar Track – Biomedical, Business, Medical Education, Global Health and Public Health Research
• Opportunity to present posters and oral presentations at annual research symposium, Discovery Day

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Current Medical Students: How to Get Started

When students decide they want to participate in research, there are a few things they need to do.

• Decide which research opportunity will work best (summer program, the EDGE program, elective course, etc.)
• Pick an area of study for the project
• Choose a faculty member who can serve as a mentor or visit the How to Find Research page on the Career Advising website for further guidance
• Contact that faculty member to check availability

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Key Areas of Research

While the College of Medicine strives to provide research opportunities in all areas of study, there are some that consistently take place year after year. These are areas of study where we have made significant progress and are nationally recognized for our efforts.

Here are some of the key areas of medical student research:

• Cancer biology
• Drug discovery
• Infectious diseases–HIV and other viral diseases
• Malaria
• Neuroscience
• Spinal cord injury

 
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