Biomedical Research: Opportunities and Benefits Merry L. Lindsey, Ph.D. Interim Asst Dean for Med Student Research Programs Della Fritz, Assistant

Research An organized, systematic investigation to – Discover new facts – Develop new theories or challenge accepted theories in light of new facts – Apply knowledge for practical use

Types of Research Basic Science – Seeks to discover new knowledge; may not directly focus on improved human health Translational – Applies Basic Science findings to human health Clinical Science – Involves research with humans or human samples Translational – Applies clinical research Findings to basic science questions

Successful Research Projects Originate with a question Have clear and achievable goals Follow a specific plan of procedure Divide the principal problem into manageable sub-problems TEACH YOU TO THINK, NOT JUST MEMORIZE FACTS

Why do Research in Medical School? The practice of medicine is based on knowledge obtained through research All students should understand and appreciate the research process Some students will seek careers in research

Practical benefits Mentoring relationships Residency applications Loan repayment support for clinician- investigators Unique learning opportunity Chance to make a difference Opportunity to be part of a team Opportunity to apply what you learn in class

UTHSCSA Medical Student Research Opportunities Medical Student Summer Research Program – provides stipend to do full-time mentored research during the summer break after first year – 5-8 weeks in duration – $250/week

UTHSCSA Medical Student Research Opportunities Medical Student Summer Research Program – Applications due : Jan 15, 2010 – Information is available on the School of Medicine website: including List of Mentors Selection Criteria Program Guidelines

UTHSCSA Medical Student Research Opportunities – Since 2002 > 200 students have received stipends – Recent funding history 2004 – 26 students 2005 – 31 students 2006 – 47 students 2007 – 58 students 2008 – 52 students 2009 – 50 students

MD with Distinction in Research Program in its 4th year Provides UTHSCSA medical students with an opportunity to do sustained mentored work in basic, clinical, translational or social sciences Students must commit to a minimum of 4 months during medical school – First 8 weeks usually occur in the Medical Student Summer Research Program – Additional time spent in electives and during free time

MD with Distinction in Research MD with Distinction in Research Committee meets twice a year to review application Students may apply Jan 15 & May 15 of their 1 st or 2 nd yr Must apply by end of 2 nd year List of Mentors Selection Criteria Program Guidelines

MD with Distinction in Research  Application includes  Project description  Time-line  Mentoring plan written by the faculty mentor  Project done under the mentorship of UTHSCSA faculty member  Research completed by the student prior to entering medical school does not count

MD with Distinction in Research  Program Requirements  Students in good academic standing (minimum GPA of 3.25)  Research log of time spent (verified by mentor)  Progress report every 6 months  Approved manuscript written by the student (first author)

MD with Distinction in Research Students who apply for the MD with Distinction in Research Program on or before the deadline for the Medical Student Summer Research Program will automatically have their application considered for a summer stipend This avoids having to write two different applications for the same project

MD with Distinction in Research 25 students are in the Program 3 students have completed the Program

Choosing a Research Mentor Start early! Established record of research accomplishment – Peer-reviewed publications – Extramural funding Time and interest in trainee Personal considerations Consider more than one mentor

Medical Student Research Day October 6, 2009 Poster presentations required for students who participate in research programs Any medical student may participate, including current MS1’s – Any research project may be presented – Medical Dean’s Office will pay for costs of preparing the poster

Extended Opportunities Howard Hughes Medical Institute Programs – HHMI-NIH Research Scholars “Cloister” Program Doris Duke Research Fellowship NIH Fogarty International Center/Ellison Medical Foundation Fellowships UTHSCSA MD/PhD Program

HHMI Programs Spend a year working in a research team at the NIH campus in Bethesda Housing provided at the Mary Woodard Lasker Center for Health Research and Education NIH lectures are plentiful (10-20 in any given day are offered) Apply after 2 nd or 3 rd year (by mid-Jan)

Doris Duke Fellowship for Medical Students Designed to encourage medical students to pursue careers in clinical research Available at one of 12 medical schools Offers an experience in clinical research that has didactic and research components Accepts 60 students per year (5 per school) Application deadline – mid January

NIH Fogarty International Center/ Ellison Medical Foundation Fellowships Designed to give medical students a chance to experience clinical research training in a developing country at an NIH-funded research center (25-30 fellowships awarded each year) Must have completed basic science coursework and a year of clinical clerkships Each fellowship is for 1 year, beginning in July Stipends at $18,000 to $20,000 per year and $6,000 for travel, insurance and educational materials Applications due in December of the year prior to beginning fellowship

UTHSCSA MD/PhD Program Targeting students entering medical school, but established students can apply Program Director is Martin Adamo, PhD (Biochemistry)

What Additional Training is Needed for a Career in Biomedical Research? Some residencies combine research and clinical training Examples here at UTHSCSA – Surgery – Neurosurgery – Radiation Sciences/Radiology

What Additional Training is Needed for a Career in Biomedical Research? For most people, a fellowship is needed Usually these combine clinical and research training Even after a fellowship, additional training is needed: – Post-doctoral training – Mentored Career Awards

What Additional Training is Needed for a Career in Biomedical Research? Some institutions have programs for junior faculty to obtain a Master’s degree or PhD in basic/translational or clinical science – Here at UTHSCSA we have a program funded by NIH that leads to a Masters Degree in Clinical Investigation – A PhD program is currently being planned

NIH Repayment Program for MD’s in Biomedical Research Careers Eligibility Requirements – US Citizen or permanent resident – 50% effort conducting research – Clinical research supported by non-profit institution or US government agency (federal, state or local) – Total qualifying loan debt equal to or in excess of 20% of institutional base salary – Agree to perform 2 years of clinical research after completion of program – Institutional statement assuring research support

Interdisciplinary Research Mode of research by teams that integrates information, data, techniques, tools, perspectives, concepts and/or theories from two or more disciplines to solve problems whose solutions are beyond the scope of a single discipline

Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) $26 million grant from NIH to support research infrastructure for doing clinical and translational research 150 people worked together to put the application together Institute for Integration of Medicine and Science (IIMS) created to serve as the academic home for the CTSA program

Directors for: - Informatics - Biostatistics - Regulatory Issues - Methodologies Development - Technologies & Resources Clinical Research Infrastructure and Community Engagement Director Dr. Ken Hargreaves Directors for: - Adult CRC -Pediatric CRC -Community Engagement Research Education and Training Director, Dr. Michael Lichtenstein Directors for: - Translational PhD - Masters Degree - Junior faculty IIMS Director: Dr. Robert Clark - Pilot and Collaborative Studies - Ethics IIMS Deputy Director: Dr. Robin Brey - Single Point of Contact (SPOC) Governance Advisory Council Presidents/CEOs of CTSA Partners Clinical/Translational Scientists Community Advisory Board Chair Council of Deans Chair UTHSCSA VP for Research Research Support Director, Dr. Robin Brey Community Advisory Board Council of Deans External Advisory Board

Try research if you: Want to be intellectually challenged Want to work closely with a faculty member Are thinking about a career in academic medicine Are not thinking about a career in academic medicine Want to be a better doctor