Medical Student Research Opportunities

Local research opportunities

Explore projects at UNR Med, Renown Health, and with community researchers who welcome medical students and trainees. These opportunities offer hands-on experience and a meaningful way for students to apply clinical knowledge in real-world research settings. 

AAMC research opportunities

Browse a comprehensive directory from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), including internships, visiting scholar programs, M.D./MPH and M.D./MPP pathways, and NIH research programs.

Summer research

UNR Med partners with leading institutions to offer fully funded summer internships that provide hands-on experience in clinical and translational research. These programs are highly competitive and allow students to explore a range of specialties while building research and clinical skills. 

Featured summer programs: 

University of Utah School of Medicine 

• Two to four fully funded, eight-week internships 
• Opportunities available across multiple specialties 
• Applications open in December 

University of Michigan 

• One fully funded, eight-week summer internship in cardiology 
• Sponsored by a UNR Med alumnus 
• Applications open in December 

Participating in externally funded research

If you're applying to a research program outside UNR Med that includes a stipend or other funding, University approval is often required. This ensures your participation complies with institutional policies and meets regulatory standards. 

We will help you: 

• Understand program requirements 
• Secure necessary University approvals 
• Ensure IRB compliance 
• Stay on track with documentation and deadlines 

To get started: 

• Email: ocr@med.unr.edu
• Complete the Summer Experience Research Registration Form and Medical Student External Funding Eligibility Agreement

External research rotations

Students planning to participate in a summer research rotation between first and second year should notify UNR Med least three months in advance. This allows time to establish any required inter-institutional agreements. 

Requirements: 

• Register via the External Research Rotation Registration Portal
• Notify the IRB (If your project is approved by an external IRB, follow the guidance in the section titled "UNR Medical Students Join a Research Study Approved by an External IRB") 
• If your research plans overlap with the academic calendar, submit the Summer Research Curriculum Overlap Request Form