Family Medicine Summer Research Experience (FMSRE) Program

 

A 10-week program for first-year medical students provides opportunity to work with a mentor on a clinical research project in primary care. Students meet with faculty in the Department of Family and Preventative Medicine to explore possible research projects. Students meet together for orientation and presentations of their research proposals, and presentation of results. Up to 40% of the students’ time may be involved in clinical shadowing.

 

Application Process:

This is a competitive process in which a 2-page application is to be completed and submitted by March 29, 2010. 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 and she will email you the application.

Click Here to Download the Application.

 

Number of Awards: We select approximately 4-8 students depending on funding availability.

 

Program Agenda:

  • One day of orientation occurs in late May or early June.
  • During the next two weeks you will develop a plan with your mentor.
  • Additional instruction in research methods as needed.
  • A one-day meeting will be held in mid-June to present plans to other students and research mentors.
  • You will have eight weeks to gather and analyze data with advice and assistance as needed from research mentor.
  • One half-day meeting will be held in mid-July to discuss progress and plans.
  • A one-day meeting will occur in early to mid-August for students to present a brief PowerPoint report of their project and final results.

 

Stipend for 10 Weeks: $3,500

 

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)?

 

Past FMSRE Projects:

2008 Projects                2007 Projects                2006 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 DFPM faculty have 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:

To find out more about the program, contact Dr. Robert Hamm at 271-5362 ext. 32306 or Stacy Wigley at 271-8167.

 

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.