Student Research

Students at Mercer University School of Medicine engage in research throughout their training program. Examples of research areas include clinical research, laboratory (bench) research, literature reviews, analyzing data from clinical studies, community health research, and writing up case reports.

MUSM is committed to self-directed learning in all our students. Research requires curiosity, ingenuity, and scholarly intent. Research helps students develop analytic and critical thinking skills. Learning how to read and interpret scientific literature is essential for staying updated on the latest advances in the field. This is especially important for physicians in rural areas, who may not have access to many continuing education opportunities. Finally, conducting and presenting research is a valuable skill that can be included on your CV.

Student Research Opportunities

Students have numerous opportunities to participate in basic science, clinical and population health research. For M.D. students, several formal programs are available that provide funds for students to engage in summer research. Throughout the year, MUSM students participate in the research of faculty members as well as independent student-generated research. Within the curriculum, medical students also gain exposure to potential research opportunities during the Population Health and Medical Research (PHMR) Block. Graduate students have the opportunity to participate in the research of their faculty members, including through paid research assistantships.

MD students: Opportunities For Research During the Four Year Curriculum
Graduate students:
- Research Assistantship at the Georgia Rural Health Innovation Center for Rural Health Sciences PhD students
Undergraduate: Contact Student Research to learn more.

For more information about any student research opportunities, contact Student Research.

Summer Research Enrichment

The Summer Research Enrichment (SRE) program provides MUSM MD students with faculty-mentored research opportunities in a variety of fields and introduces them to professional skills that enable them to incorporate their research experiences into their career development path. The SRE program supports the mission of MUSM by engaging students in research that advances the healthcare of all Georgians and educating future physicians in the steps involved in medical research, the evaluation of published research, and the professional presentation of research. The training provided through SRE enables MUSM graduates to address grand challenges in rural healthcare during their residencies and professional careers. All students are welcome to join in SRE program activities, including the professional development series and the end of summer student research symposium regardless of whether they participate in the MUSM SRE or external research opportunities.

Additional information can be found in the Canvas course.

The Summer Scholars Program is open to MD students on all MUSM campuses. Student must be in good academic standing and willing to participate in 6 weeks of research, plus one week for vacation, during the summer break after Year 1 of the MD Program.

Students perform independent research projects under the direction of their faculty mentors. Areas of research include bench research, community health/population health, clinical, case reports, and medical education. In addition to the research, students participate in weekly professional development sessions that teach them how to incorporate their research experiences into their career path.

Student stipends are funded by the MUSM Dean’s Office, faculty research grants and community organizations, and is dependent on available funds. At the end of the program, all students will give a research presentation on their research.

The Landings Scholars Program is open to MD students on all MUSM campuses, but the research must be performed on the Savannah campus. Students must be in good academic standing and willing to participate in 6 weeks of research, with an additional week for vacation, during the summer break after Year 1 of the MD Program.

Students perform independent research projects under the direction of Robert Visalli, PhD or another selected faculty mentor. The area of focus is restricted to bench research on cancer related projects. In addition to the research, students participate in weekly professional development activities to prepare them to present or publish their findings in local, regional or national meetings.

Student stipends are funded by The Landings Women’s Golf Association Together for a Cure fundraiser. The stipend is a minimum of $3,200 and funds will be provided for supplies to support the project. At the conclusion of the program, all students will give a research presentation on their findings and future plans.

The summer experience in maternal health at the Georgia Rural Health Innovation Center is a six-week observership open to all MD students in Georgia. Under the direction of Jennifer Barkin, PhD, Professor and Vice Chair of Community Medicine, this program was designed to expand the learning experience for rising second-year medical students interested in practicing in rural, medically underserved communities. Students shadow providers to get a hands-on look at maternal health challenges in rural Georgia. Didactic curriculum includes participation in journal club and publication.

External

AAMC-identified research opportunities
Grady STaR Program
Research projects at another university
A chart of external opportunities can be found in the Canvas Course

Where to Present Research Outcomes

Students are invited and encouraged to participate in several annual research symposia:

Summer Research Enrichment Symposium
Joint Research Conference
MU BEAR Day
Georgia American College of Physicians Scientific Meeting

How to Connect with Research Projects

Contact a faculty member: Students may browse the MUSM faculty directory to learn more about the expertise and professional interests of researchers at the School. The Biomedical Sciences Research page also gives an overview of current research.