UC Davis School of Medicine students have a number of options for structuring a research experience within the context of your medical studies. It can take the form of brief independent study, a summer experience, a longitudinal experience within the medical school curriculum, or a second degree program (Master's Degree or Ph.D.).
Options for students interested in research
1st Year Summer Research: for students interested in spending 4 or 8 weeks enhancing their medical training through direct participation in basic science, clinical investigation, or health care delivery research.
Research in years 3 and 4:
Students can complete longitudinal research projects during their post-clerkship curriculum. Students can earn up to 8 weeks of credit towards graduation requirement for research. Research courses can be scheduled during the 3rd year selective rotation or as a 4th year elective.
3rd year research selective: The clerkship year of I-EXPLORE includes a 6-week selective rotation which students can use to pursue research for 2,4 or 6 weeks.
4th year research elective: The post-clerkship longitudinal research course allows a student to engage in focused learning on a topic of their choosing that promotes a close relationship between a student and a research mentor over the course of their final 12 months of medical school. A student who selects this option is required to design a project, execute the project, write up a report or a paper suitable for publication, and prepare/present a poster to faculty and peers on Poster Day. While the research is expected to be done throughout the year, the time earned toward graduation requirements depends on prior research time earned in 3rd year, with a maximum earned time of 8 weeks over 2 years.
TL1 Pre-Doctoral Clinical Research Training Program: for junior trainees interested in spending one year developing skills required for a career in multidisciplinary clinical and translational research relevant to human health. This program provides the student with an opportunity to obtain an M.A.S. in Clinical Research.
M.D./Ph.D. Program: is a dual degree program designed to rigorously train physician scientists who anticipate an academic career in their chosen research field.
Academic Research Careers for Medical Doctors (ARC-MD): is a program designed to provide medical students with the foundational skills and professional development that promote a successful career as a physician scientist. The five-year program provides students with research and career mentorship, special experiences, a unique curriculum, and community engagement within a supportive longitudinal learning community.