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Research Resources

UNC Conferences & Events Open to Medical Students

Host/Department Event Approximate Event Date Approximate Submission Deadline Contact Information
Nutrition Obesity Research Center Student Research Symposium Late April Late March kjcook19@live.unc.edu
Tar Heel Trauma Annual UNC May Day Trauma Conference Early May Early April amy.bruns@unchealth.unc.edu

tarheeltrauma@unchealth.unc.edu
Neurology UNC SOM Neurology Day Late May Mid-April sign@unc.edu
Surgery The Nathan A. Womack Surgical Society Research Day Early June Early May surgery_research@med.unc.edu
Otolaryngology Newton D. Fischer Conference Mid-June yesy_lopez@med.unc.edu
Sports Medicine/Orthopedics UNC Sports Medicine Institute Annual Conference Late September Late August uncsmi@med.unc.edu
Water Institute UNC Water and Health Conference Late October Early May waterinstitute@sph.unc.edu
John B. Graham Medical Student Research Society Student Research Day Mid-November Mid-September jbgresearchsociety@med.unc.edu
Thurston Arthritis Research Center TARC Research Day Mid-November abby_mihalkovic@med.unc.edu

Why Do Research In Medical School?

  1. A good mentor can be a valuable career resource.
  2. Research increasingly contributes to the way physicians treat their patients. The “bench to bedside” approach that is driving modern biomedicine suggests that research will have an even larger impact on medical practice in the future.
  3. Participating in research is a great way to get the opportunity to work with faculty and possibly foster a life-long relationship with a mentor.
  4. The faculty at UNC School of Medicine and all of the affiliated institutions excel not only in transmitting the knowledge, skills and caring attitudes required for a life in medicine, but they also contribute to that knowledge as leaders of research in a wide variety of basic science and clinical fields.
  5. Research training gives you a favorable advantage when applying for residency positions.
  6. Research training will make you a better physician with a sharper mind and stronger critical thinking skills.

Below, find some helpful information about finding a mentor and participating in research. For more information, check out our FAQs page