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Medical students play an important role as research trainees. To get started, you should:

• Identify your research interests and career goals
• Actively seek out and connect with potential mentors
• Engage as a committed and professional mentee

Meaningful research experiences often lead to presentations (posters/abstracts) and/or publications鈥攙aluable outcomes for your academic and professional development.

Preparing Your Materials

Before reaching out to mentors, prepare the following:

Curriculum Vitae (CV):
Include education, honors/awards, work experience, prior research (institution, mentor, project title, your role, skills, and outputs), leadership, service, and memberships.

Cover Letter & Personal Statement:
Clearly describe your interests, goals, and what you hope to gain from a research experience.

Clarify Your Goals:

• Area of interest (e.g., biomedical, clinical, education, community-based, clinical trials)
• Time commitment (duration and weekly availability)
• Funding needs or limitations

• Desired outcomes (e.g., publication, poster, abstract)

  Helpful Resources: CVs, Cover Letters, Personal Statements

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Finding Research Opportunities

• Use multiple strategies to identify opportunities:

  • Review the literature to find researchers working in your areas of interest
  • Talk with peers and residents for recommendations
  • Explore faculty research via the Heritage College Faculty and Staff Directory and research institute pages (e.g., , , , Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute, Institute to Advance Population Health)
  • Search online resources, including the OHIO Experts Directory, the Research and Scholarly Opportunities with OHIO Faculty webpage, and the
  • Check clinical site research programs (e.g., , the , and the )

  • Contact the Office of Research and Grants

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Use your initial meeting to confirm fit, clarify expectations, and ensure the project is ready to begin.

Before and During the Meeting:

• Share your CV: Provide a copy if your mentor does not already have one
• Discuss your goals: Review your research interests and any prior experience
• Clarify expectations: Understand the mentor鈥檚 goals, your role, and project responsibilities and agree on communication, timelines, and expected outcomes to support a successful mentoring relationship
• Confirm availability: Be clear about your schedule and level of commitment

• Discuss funding: Note if your participation depends on funding availability

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Compliance and Approvals:

• Confirm whether the project has IRB or IACUC approval (required before starting)
• If already approved, ensure you are added to the protocol
• For projects outside 91原创, obtain Research Compliance approval or deferral from the 91原创 Research Compliance before participating
• Visit Training Requirements, Research Compliance, and ORCID ID information or contact compliance@ohio.edu for guidance or review training and compliance requirements

Heritage College students may earn academic credit for research and scholarly activity through elective rotations.

Research Elective Options:

• Critical Literature Review (OCOM 8942)
• Case-Based Study (OCOM 8943)

• Original Research (OCOM 8944)

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Timing and Eligibility:

• Electives are typically completed during the fourth year
• Students with an established project and committed mentor may participate in the spring semester of the third year
• Third-year students are limited to Original Research (OCOM 8944)

Plan ahead with your mentor to ensure your project aligns with elective requirements and timelines.

Elective Research Rotation Information

Students may participate in research or scholarly activity outside of the formal curriculum (without academic credit or protected time). All requirements for participation in research and scholarly activity still apply.

Support and Resources:

• Review website information
• with our staff to discuss your interests and explore opportunities
• Email traineeresearch@ohio.edu to schedule a meeting outside office hours (include your topic and availability)

We are here to help you identify opportunities and navigate the process.

In addition to the D.O. degree, Heritage College students may pursue dual-degree programs that combine medical education with other fields.

Options are available for students interested in:

• Research
• Business
• Biomedical engineering
• Social and behavioral health

These programs allow students to expand their training and align their education with specific career interests.

Dual-Degree Program Information

Medical students can engage in research and scholarly activity at any point during their training. Participation in mentored summer research between the first and second years is strongly encouraged.

Opportunities are available through structured programs and independent outreach.

Internal Opportunities