Finding Research Opportunities

Why Get Involved in Research?

Research enhances your ability to think critically, solve problems, and communicate effectively—skills that are valuable in any medical career. It contributes to medical advancements, from novel treatments to health policy changes. While research can be helpful for residency applications, it should align with your interests and goals.

When to Start?

• Ideal Time: The summer between MS1 and MS2 (8-9 weeks available).
• Ongoing Research: Year-round opportunities exist with flexible time commitments.

Types of Research Opportunities

Not all research happens in a lab! You can explore:

• Clinical research & trials – UNC Clinical Research
• Public health & global health – UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health
• Health policy & disparities – UNC Center for Health Equity Research
• Surgical, oncology & specialized fields – UNC Lineberger Cancer Center

How to Get Started

1. Identify Your Interests

Consider what fields excite you (e.g., specialty, disease focus, health policy). Explore Vital Signs emails or Grand Rounds talks at UNC to see what research is happening.

2. Find a Mentor or Research Team

• Use the UNC Office of Medical Student Research to find faculty mentors and research programs.
• Browse the UNC Research Database to explore active projects.
• UNC’s BBSP Faculty Database is another great resource.
• UNC School of Medicine’s Faculty Research Database

3. Contact Faculty or Research Groups

• Cold emails are fine! Introduce yourself, express interest in their work, and ask about opportunities.
• If needed, update your CV (The Career Goal Advising Program has guides).

4. Consider External Research Opportunities

• The UNC Office of Medical Student Research maintains a list of research opportunities.
• Some well-known external options:
  • NIH Summer Internship Program – NIH SIP
  • American Heart Association Research Programs – AHA Research
  • FAER Anesthesia Fellowship – FAER Program
  • MD Anderson Cancer Center Summer Program – MD Anderson Research

Funding for Research

• UNC-Specific Grants:
  • Carolina Medical Student Research Program (CMSRP)
  • Center for Health Equity Research (CHER) Summer Program
  • Office of Global Health Education
• External Funding Sources:
  • American Medical Association Research Grants
  • National Institutes of Health Grants
  • Howard Hughes Medical Institute Fellowships

Tips for a Successful Research Experience

Start Early – Summer research applications often have deadlines in January/February.
Apply for Multiple Funding Sources – Don’t rely on just one grant.
Find a Project That Excites You – Choose research that aligns with your passions, not just what looks good on a CV.
Talk to Upperclassmen – MS2s/MS3s can share their experiences and connect you with faculty.
Attend Departmental Talks – Many research events provide networking opportunities (check UNC Newsroom).