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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.

Objectives 
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.

Time frame
8 weeks between MS1 and MS2 years, 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 MSRP lectures (highly recommended)

Primary Deliverable

  • An abstract is due the last week of July for presentation at the Fall MSRP Research Forum
  • Present a poster at the Fall MSRP Research Forum
  • Present at the Fall DermSRP Department showcase

Salary/Project 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).

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 MSRP, 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 MSRP 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.

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