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Family Medicine Summer Research Experience

This research experience is offered to medical students at the OU College of Medicine after they have completed their first year of medical school. It gives them an opportunity to learn how to do research in a primary care context.

Application Process: This is a competitive process in which a 2-page application is to be completed and submitted by March 31, 2008. You must have Microsoft Word installed on your computer in order to open this document. If you do not have Microsoft Word or have difficulties opening the document, please contact Stacy Wigley at 271-8167 or E-Mail and she will email you the application. Click Here for the application.

Number of Awards: We select approximately 6-10 students depending on funding availability.

Program Dates:

1 day of orientation: in late May or early June

2 weeks of daily classes (1 to 1.5 hours) in research methods and during these same 2 weeks, complete development of a plan with on-site preceptor and mentor

1 day meeting (mid-June) to present plans to other students and research mentors

8 weeks to gather and analyze data (with advice and assistance as needed from research mentor)

1 half day meeting (mid-July) to discuss progress and plans

1 day meeting (early to mid-August) for students to present a brief PowerPoint report of their project and results

Stipend for 10 weeks: $3500

Research Sites: Students work either in the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine (DFPM) at OUHSC in Oklahoma City , or at a clinic off campus, depending on funding availability and the needs of the research projects.

Research Topics/Projects: Students who participate in the research scholar program work on a research project, in addition to observing and helping physicians with clinical activities. The research topics typically involve clinical research on primary care issues. Here are examples of typical research questions:

What is the epidemiology of a particular symptom or problem in primary care?

How well does a diagnosis or a treatment work in actual practice (effectiveness)?

What is the most cost-effective and practical way to detect or treat a particular condition?

How can we best communicate with patients?

What do patients believe and do about a particular disease?

What is the best way to organize a practice in order to provide good care in a particular area (e.g., prevention, laboratory test management, prescription refills)?

Here are past FMSRE projects:

2005 Projects 2004 Projects 2003 Projects 2002 Projects

The student can work with a doctor at the clinic site and/or with a research mentor at OUHSC to pick a topic of interest and to plan and carry out a small study. The mentor helps the student and the doctor as needed. Our purpose is that helping with the student's research should NOT be a burden on the local preceptor.

The faculty at the DFPM have some on-going projects that students could work on. Many FMSRE students choose to work on one of these projects. Students interested in the FMSRE program are encouraged to explore possible projects with DFPM researchers early.

Depending on the location of the clinical site, the student will either relocate to the site or commute from home. In cases where student relocates, the host site usually provides room and board.

Contact Person: Students may call Dr. Robert Hamm at 271-5362 ext. 32306 or secretary Stacy Wigley at 271-8167 to find out more about the program.

Non-medical students are welcome to contact Rob Hamm to explore possible projects.

Medical Students interested in other research opportunities should check the "Scholarships and Research Opportunities" chat board in Hippocrates.

Department of Family and Preventive Medicine
The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
P.O. Box 26901
Oklahoma City, OK 73190

Oklahoma City, OK

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