Summer Scholars

Regenstrief Institute works to create learning opportunities for the next generation of clinicians, research scientists, healthcare leaders and staff professionals, especially those from groups historically underrepresented in the health sciences. Regenstrief leaders develop programming and supplemental activities to ensure that scholars get the most out of their research experience. The summer scholars program results in posters, publications, and, most importantly, students being exposed to translational research with real impact.

Students leave the experience with a better understanding of the physician-researcher and PhD-researcher career paths as well as the expertise and training required of all the professional staff necessary to successfully drive the activities of a multi-unit, cross-collaborative research enterprise. Some go on to present the results of their work at national conferences, and others continue to be involved in manuscript production.

Indiana University Medical Student Program for Research and Scholarship (IMPRS)

The Indiana University Medical Student Program for Research and Scholarship (IMPRS) Summer Program provides a mechanism for medical students to gain research and scholarly experience during the Phase 1 summer break between the first and second years of medical school. Students are connected with research opportunities and mentors at all nine Indiana University School of Medicine regional campuses and Regenstrief Institute. The program is competitive with a limited number of slots available.

The overarching goal is to provide diverse research and scholarly opportunities for medical students to be engaged and enriched in an environment of scholarly endeavor. Most programs last 8-12 weeks and take place between May and July. In addition to research work, each student must observe a series of weekly seminars and participate in a poster session.

IMPRS is sponsored by The IU School of Medicine Dean’s Office, the Indiana Clinical Translational Science Institute (CTSI), IUSM Departments and Divisions, National Institutes of Health (NIH) training grants, endowments and donations.

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What You’ll Learn:

Skills that are valuable for residency applications as well as career development
Hands-on experience that instills an appreciation for the research behind medical discoveries
A deeper critical understanding of medical literature, information and research
The potential to contribute to scholarly knowledge through presentations and publications

Research Areas Include:

Laboratory/ translational
Clinical
Health research outcomes
Community health education

Eligibility Requirements:

First year IU School of Medicine medical student
Only students who are in good standing at the time of submission, and all acceptance will be contingent on the student’s good standing status at the end of the 2nd semester
Undergraduate GPA and MCAT scores will be requested on the application

Summer Student Research Assistants

Students who are selected for the Summer Student Research Assistant program participate in eight- to twelve-weeks of part-time employment that includes structured research and academic activities. Selected students are paired with a faculty-led study team. Duties may include attendance of team meetings, helping to enroll participants in studies, assisting with data collection, management or analysis, transcription of qualitative interviews, administrative support and other tasks as needed.

Research Areas Include:

Clinically oriented or policy-related research
Studies involving health information, health technology, community-based population research
Clinically based research, with studies addressing chronic pain, stroke, brain health, patient transfers between health care settings, mental health services, cancer-related symptoms
Health communication

Eligibility Requirements:

Students 18 years or older who are entering (or have completed) the first year of college at a U.S. institution by the month of June in their application year are eligible for consideration
One year of successful work or volunteer experience.
Ability to use proper oral and written English grammar.
Some prior knowledge of medical terminology and/or research experience preferred.
Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
Ability to interact and verbally communicate with a variety of employees, hospital staff, and hospital patients and study leadership.
Applicants must be legally able to work in the United States.
Selected students must agree to participate in the program for a minimum of 8 weeks and a maximum of 12 weeks.

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Indiana University Medical Student Program for Research and Scholarship (IMPRS)

Summer Student Research Assistants