Medical Student Research Program

Information for Students

Medical students have many different opportunities to get involved in research during their training in the Carver College of Medicine.

  • The Iowa Medical Student Research Club (IMSRC) is a student-run organization, recognized by the Student Organizations Office at the University of Iowa. All medical students are invited to participate in the IMSRC-sponsored events. Student officers are elected, and participate for all years of their medical education on the Medical Student Research Council, a body that oversees Medical Student Research activities in the College.
  • 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 Iowa Medical Student Research Club, this website and announcements at events throughout the year.
  • The Research Distinction Track (RDT) is designed for students to participate in mentored research throughout their years in medical school. Students admitted to the Track will exhibit excellence in research including presentation of research at meetings and writing of research results in manuscript form. This designated track is mentioned in the student's Medical Student Performance Evaluation (formerly known as the Dean's Letter) for residency programs, on the student's transcript and in all the graduation program. In May 2009 twenty-one students graduated with Research Distinction.
  • Year-long research programs can be chosen from on- or off-campus options.
    • The Doris Duke Clinical Research Fellowship Program is a nationally-renowned program that allows students to take a year off to participate in a mentored clinical research project.
    • 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 Howard Hughes Medical Institute offers 2 one-year programs in which students may participate in research at the Cloister in Bethesda, Maryland, or at any accredited institute in the US sanctioned by HHMI.
    • Details to additional programs will be announced throughout the year.

The Iowa Medical Student Research Program (IMSRP) is an umbrella organization that oversees and integrates the medical student research programs listed above. It is designed to support, promote, and raise awareness about medical student research opportunities here at the University of Iowa.

Details of additional programs will be announced throughout the year.

Useful Links

Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine
Medical Student Research Program
1187 MERF
Iowa City, Iowa 52242-2600
(319) 335-9449 | Staff directory

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