Frequently Asked Questions

There are a variety of benefits of conducting research as a medical student, including:

  • Students can shape their curricula and cross-train in areas beyond the conventional medical curriculum.
  • Research should enable a deeper understanding of the clinical field by providing a period of learning with respect to critical thinking, reviewing and interpreting literature, experimental design, data interpretation and communication.
  • Increased confidence to investigate conundrums encountered in clinical care. The ability to understand and integrate new knowledge into clinical practice is a necessary quality of good physicians.
  • By balancing research, coursework and rotations, students learn to juggle disparate obligations as a physician.
  • Exposure to physician-scientists as a career choice.
  • Exposure to student research may help in the required efforts to continually read and update one’s approach to patient care for retraining medical licensure and specialty board certification.
  • May lead to possible publication, which may positively influence selection into some highly competitive residencies (although, not necessarily in the primary care specialties).
Student research opportunities fluctuate both in quantity and type. Students can be involved with anything from laboratory experiment techniques to chart reviews and clinical trials. Students are encouraged to be flexible in the type of research they are willing to pursue, as many specialties do not conduct research at UMKC or its affiliates. The director of student research will help students find a project that can relate to those specialties — for example, dermatology or plastic surgery.

It is generally recommended for students to not start research until year three due to the high academic load in years one and two. It is also recommended to initiate research prior to beginning year six. Years one and two are a great time for students to establish relationships with potential mentors and to decide if they want to pursue an original research concept.

Students do not need any research experience prior to beginning their research experience as a medical student. Students with experience, however, may get matched with more advanced opportunities.

Students have the opportunity to do two one-month research electives; in order to get credit for research, they need to speak with their advisor. These electives are very short so many students choose to do research for a longer period but on their own time (no additional credit); some students also choose to do research on the side (not by the elective) because they want to use that elective opening for something else they cannot do on their own. When doing research on their own time, students can work with their mentor on their availability.

No, but students are encouraged to apply for a Sarah Morrison Award, which is a grant-like opportunity for students. The Sarah Morrison Award is a great resource for students who have their own research idea, but it can also be used to supplement an ongoing research project established by a mentor.

No, students can be paired with a mentor who has their own ongoing research projects. If a student has an idea, Dr. Wacker, Dr. Dall and Dr. Molteni will help to identify a mentor who will guide you through the research process. Students with original ideas are encouraged to apply for the Sarah Morrison Award, which is a grant-like opportunity for UMKC medical students.

Visit the getting started page for information about required CITI training courses, which may include courses on working with human and anmial subjects depending on the type of research you conduct.