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Mission Statement

The Department of Dermatology Summer Medical Student Research Program (DermSRP) is a mentored research program for students between their first and second year of medical school to have a meaningful mentored clinical or basic science research experience in dermatology.

Program Locations

Location will depend on the research project you are matched with.  This information will be shared once your application is received and processed.

Goals

The primary objective of the Dermatology Summer Medical Student Research Fellowship is to provide a meaningful mentored clinical or basic science research experience in dermatology. We also offer one summer fellowship in medical education. Secondary objectives include:

  • Enhance exposure to dermatologic research or scholarly education.
  • Develop clinical or basic science research skills including scientific presentation and writing

Eligibility

University of Utah School of Medicine MS1 students will be given priority.  Non-University of Utah students will also be considered.

Timeline

8 weeks, July 7th through August 30th, in parallel with the University of Utah’s MSRP (https://medicine.utah.edu/medresearch/)

Expectations

The student is expected to identify a dermatology faculty mentor to identify a potential research project between November and February. Working with the faculty mentor, the student must accomplish the following:

  • Complete the “Expectations Worksheet" below.
  • Complete all CITI training prior to starting the fellowship.
  • All projects must be IRB approved prior to the start of the fellowship.
  • Students are encouraged to attend their mentor’s clinic at least ½ day/week.
  • Meet regularly (on a pre-determined schedule) with the mentor for feedback and progress reports
  • Attend the DermSRP lectures (highly recommended)

Expectations Worksheet

  • Students are expected to work 40 hours/week
  • Students are expected to participate in the weekly Summer Research Course Series offered by the DermSRP, including classes on research ethics, reproducibility, grant writing, best practices for presentation, and seminars/Q&A sessions with physician-scientists on topics related to their research.
  • During Fall semester, the DermSRP hosts a Research Forum where students present posters on their work and their faculty mentors are invited.
  • Following the summer fellowship, in Fall semester, the Department of Dermatology will host a research showcase which is another opportunity to present your work.
  • The student must complete CITI training prior to starting the fellowship.
  • All projects must be IRB approved prior to the start of the fellowship.
  • Students are encouraged to attend their mentor’s clinic ½ day/week.
  • Students and mentors should meet regularly (on a pre-determined schedule; we suggest at least weekly) for feedback and progress reports.

Deliverables

  • An Abstract presentation is due in the fall for DermSRP Research Forum)
  • Present a poster at the Fall DermSRP Research Forum
  • Present at the Fall DermSRP Department showcase

Salary Support

Each student will receive a $3000 stipend paid in 2 installments: 

  • $1500 will be paid in mid-June
  • $1500 will be paid after receipt of the student’s abstract
  • Up to $1000 in research funds are available for materials/statistical support (a written budget that has been approved by the Department of Dermatology required).

Application Dates

Applications are due by April 12, 2024.

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