Internal Medicine Residency
The StARR Program
The R38 StARR (Stimulating Access to Research in Residency) Program at UC Davis is a nationally unique and pioneering initiative, the first in the country to integrate human and veterinary medicine into a unified physician-scientist and veterinary-scientist training program. It is funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and administered through the UC Davis School of Medicine and School of Veterinary Medicine. This program, led by principle investigators Nicholas Kenyon, M.D., M.A.S.; Amir Kol, D.V.M., Ph.D.; Michael Schivo, M.D., M.A.S., offers a mentored, two-year research experience for Human Internal Medicine residents and Veterinary residents who are dedicated to careers in translational research, comparative medicine, academic leadership, and faculty positions.
Join the only program in the country preparing the next generation of clinician-scientists trained by leading human and veterinary scientists. The UC Davis R38 StARR Program is more than a research track—it's a launchpad for a lifelong career at the intersection of discovery and care.
- First-in-the-Nation Program combining training across human and animal medicine
- Interdisciplinary mentorship from leading clinician-scientists in both schools
- Option to pursue a Master’s in Clinical Research through the Mentored Clinical Research Training Program (MCRTP)
- Focus on translational, comparative, and One Health research that bridges species and advances human and animal health
- Ideal for those pursuing advanced subspecialty fellowships and/or academic clinician-scientist careers
- Eligibility:
- Human Internal Medicine residents (2nd year) at the UC Davis School of Medicine OR
- All resident trainees (3rd-4th year) at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, AND
- U.S. citizens or permanent residents
- Duration:
- 2-year structured research track integrated within residency training
- Includes clinical responsibilities (20%) alongside dedicated research time (80%)
- Mentorship:
- Personalized guidance from NIH-funded investigators and cross-disciplinary faculty
- Focus on research skill development, project execution, and grant preparation
- Academic Enrichment:
- Access to MCRTP coursework, seminars, and workshops
- Training in research methods, biostatistics, and scientific writing
- Funding Support:
- Resident salary support during research years
- Research project funds and support for conference travel
The UC Davis R38 StARR Program is designed for ambitious trainees who want to:
- Become physician-scientists or veterinary-scientists at the forefront of biomedical innovation
- Gain competitive experience and credentials for NIH K-series awards, fellowships, or junior faculty positions
- Contribute to impactful research that improves both human and animal health
- Build lasting mentorship relationships in a rich research community
- Contact Program Leadership to express interest, confirm eligibility, and get program details
-
- Nicholas Kenyon, MD, MAS njkenyon@health.ucdavis.edu
- Amir Kol, DVM, PhD akol@ucdavis.edu
- Michael Schivo, MD, MAS mschivo@health.ucdavis.edu
- Nicholas Kenyon, MD, MAS njkenyon@health.ucdavis.edu
- Prepare Application Materials:
- Research proposal (3 pages maximum)
- Career goal(s) including mentoring plan (3 pages max)
- Letters of recommendation (two)
- Mentor’s letter (can be a joint letter if more than one mentor)
- Biosketch (applicant’s and mentor’s)
- Other support of mentors
- Submit Materials by Friday January 16, 2026 (details provided upon inquiry)
- Applications Due: Friday, January 16, 2026
- Program Start: Summer 2026 (flexible depending on clinical schedule)
For questions or to begin the application process, please contact any of the principle investigators:
- Nicholas Kenyon, MD, MAS njkenyon@health.ucdavis.edu
- Amir Kol, DVM, PhD akol@ucdavis.edu
- Michael Schivo, MD, MAS mschivo@health.ucdavis.edu