A variety of opportunities are available to students who are interested in doing research while in medical school. Numerous projects are ongoing at any time in Buffalo and several opportunities exist outside Western New York. Students may want to consider undertaking a project not only for the experience it will provide, but because many competitive specialties seek this background in applicants to residency.

Timing
During the school year, students can participate in research at UB by identifying a mentor and dedicating their time outside the traditional curriculum.

Opportunities during the summer are numerous and include programs in Buffalo as well as programs in New York City at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Bethesda, MD at the National Institutes of Health . Other programs are relatively flexible in terms of location and will fund projects almost anywhere in the US that focus on a specific topic. Such programs include the American Dermatological Association's Medical Student Fellowship Program and the Society for Pediatric Research & American Pediatric Society's Student Research Program.

Mentors
The OME provides an annually updated list of potential basic science and clinical research mentors at UB and holds a seminar each fall to acquaint students with faculty involved in research. The School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences also maintains a searchable database with information regarding faculty research profiles, interests and publications
>> http://www.smbs.buffalo.edu/research.htm.

Funding
During the academic year, an occasional student may receive financial support for his/her participation if funds are available through a grant or department. Most summer experiences provide funding and students usually need to apply and be accepted to the program.
>> Grant & Funding Information

Academic Credit
Most students are eligible to receive academic elective credit for participation in research activities and should come to the OME for more information on the process.

Programs
Updated information about summer programs is maintained by the OME in the form of a resource binder and web site (www.smbs.buffalo.edu/ome/ome_opportunity.htm). Students can make appointments with any of the assistant deans to learn about specific opportunities that might match their interests.

There are a number of year-long fellowship programs that allow students to pursue their research interests while on academic leave. Such programs include: the Howard Hughes-NIH Research Scholars Program , the Sarnoff Cardiovascular Fellowship Program and the Doris Duke Clinical Research Fellowship Program. Other opportunities are available and information is periodically posted outside the OME and provided via e-mail.

Research Awards
Students may be eligible for Research or Thesis Honors at graduation for significant research experience that was obtained while pursuing the MD degree.
>> General information is outlined on the OME Academics web site

An annual Medical Student Research Forum is held each January. Students can share their research work with faculty and fellow students. Faculty judges review the posters and the top candidates receive cash prizes.