Research Opportunities

Medical students can participate in research opportunities through a variety of options that may span one month to several years, including:

• Individualized research projects for elective credit.
• Summer research with faculty mentors. UConn Health Medical/Dental Student Summer Research Program.
• The Fifth-Year Enrichment Program: Seek funding for a one year research experience typically (but not always) following the second year of medical school. One possibility for such a one-year research experience, and funding to support it, is available from the Center for Molecular Oncology. Other mechanisms that should be considered include: Pathology Fellowship.
• In certain situations a medical or M.D./Ph.D. student’s schedule may allow the option of spending several months at another academic institution. One possibility for funding to partially or fully support such an experience may be the CMO Future Physician-Scientist/Clinical Investigator Career Development Award.
• Research interests in public and health care management and organization may be pursued through the combined degree program, M.D./M.P.H.
• Master of Science in Clinical and Translational Research.
• An M.D./Ph.D. which requires an additional three to five-year commitment.

Students are encouraged to contact the Director to discuss these opportunities further.

Selected Grants, Awards & Opportunities

The following funding opportunities are targeted at medical students pursuing physician-scientist careers. Contact the Office for guidance on applications.

• Physician-Scientists: NIAID Launches New Funding Opportunity
• NIH Summer Internship Program in Biomedical Research
• NIH Year-Off Training Program
• Physician-Scientist Career Enhancement Travel Award in Molecular Medicine
• NIH Loan Repayment Programs
• American Medical Association (AMA)
• MSRF | The Physician-Scientist Support Foundation (thepssf.org)

Physician-Scientist Discussion Sessions & Colloquia

These sessions bring together leading physician-scientists for open discussions on research careers, challenges, and opportunities. All medical students are welcome to attend.

📧 To join the announcement list, email pscdadmin@uchc.edu

Past Sessions

• November 13, 2023 — Dr. Scott Rivkees
• March 14, 2022 — Dr. Alvin C. Powers
• March 29, 2021 — Dr. Sekar Kathiresan
• April 15, 2019 — Dr. Robert Colbert [PDF]
• April 9, 2018 — Dr. Stephanie Eisenbarth [PDF]
• February 7, 2017 — Dr. Margaret H. Baron [PDF]
• March 21, 2016 — Dr. Michael Rosenblum [PDF]
• March 25, 2015 — Dr. Christine Seidman [PDF]
• March 10, 2014 — Dr. Barry Coller [PDF]
• March 4, 2013 — Dr. Kenneth Kaushansky [PDF]
• March 7, 2011 — Dr. Andrew I. Schafer

Literature Related to the Physician-Scientist Career Path

The following resources provide curated reading and community connections for physician-scientists at all career stages.

• Physician-Scientist Corner

Career Development Resources

These resources are specifically curated to help medical students navigate the physician-scientist career pathway.

• Career Development — Burroughs Wellcome Fund
• Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)
• American Physician Scientists Association (APSA)
• AFMR Career Development Workshop

Physician-Scientist Trainee-oriented Conferences

These conferences provide excellent networking and learning opportunities for physician-scientist trainees.

• American Society for Clinical Investigation/Association of American Physicians (ASCI/AAP) Joint Meeting
• Translational Science

Andrew Arnold, M.D.

Director, Office of Physician-Scientist Career Development

Murray-Heilig Chair in Molecular Medicine