Program Description:
A 7-week program for University of Oklahoma (OU) medical students who are advancing from their first year to their second year in the College of Medicine (COM). The program provides an opportunity to work with a mentor on a clinical research project in primary care. Prior to program commencement in June, students must meet and work with faculty in the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine (DFPM) to select their research projects and do planning work. The summer program includes full days of orientation, presentations of students’ research proposals, and presentation of their results.
Application Process:
This is a competitive process in which an online application will open on Monday, February 5, 2024, and is to be completed on or before Monday, March 25, 2024.
Click here to access the online application. If you are having difficulties, please contact Stacy Wigley at 405-271-2370.
Number of Awards:
We select approximately 10 students depending on funding availability.
Program Agenda:
- Students will be interviewed during the mid-Spring semester. Student selection will be ongoing, ending the first week in April.
- Each student will be assigned a mentor, who will work with the student to plan a project in preparation for the summer program.
- Orientation will take place on Monday, June 10, 2024.
- Additional instruction in research methods will be provided, as needed.
- Students will have approximately 5 weeks to gather and analyze data with advice and assistance as needed from their research mentor.
- A one-day meeting will occur on Friday, July 26, 2024, for students to present a summary of their project and the final results.
Stipend for FMSRE Participation:
$ 2,000
Research Sites:
Students will work either in the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine at the OUHSC in Oklahoma City or at a clinic off campus, depending on funding availability and the needs of the research project. Students may also complete part or most of their work remotely, using communication and data sharing technology based on individual project needs and circumstances.
Past FMSRE Projects:
To view past FMSRE projects, click here.
Research Topics/Projects:
Students who participate in the research scholar program work on a research project; there may be opportunities to observe and help physicians with clinical activities in connection with the project. 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 clinicians best communicate with patients, caregivers, or community-based service providers?
- What do patients believe and do about a particular health condition or challenge?
- What are the most effective ways to address unhealthy behaviors?
- What is the best way to design care delivery systems in order to improve healthcare in a particular area (e.g., prevention, laboratory test management, prescription refills, management of chronic conditions, referrals)?
- How can researchers and healthcare professionals work with various Oklahoma communities to address specific health issues, disparities or care system challenges?
- How can we facilitate basic healthcare services in international settings (global health)?
The student will work with a research mentor at OUHSC to pick a topic of interest and to plan and carry out a small research study or contribute to activities in an ongoing project. The mentor helps the student as needed.
Students interested in the FMSRE program are encouraged to explore possible projects with mentor faculty as early as possible.
Contact Person:
To find out more about the program, contact Stacy Wigley at 405-271-2370 (stacy-wigley@ouhsc.edu).
Non-medical students are welcome to contact Dr. Zsolt Nagykaldi (znagykal@ouhsc.edu) to explore possible projects. We may not be able to provide a stipend for these students.