DO with Research Distinction

Many students at VCOM have a desire to conduct research as part of their medical education experience. Faculty and students also recognize the importance of continuous advancement in medical practice through cutting-edge research findings.

Students are encouraged to actively conduct a research project to gain experience in basic and applied research and advance scientific knowledge. This will enable DO clinicians to understand how their profession is evolving and can contribute to the effort required for such evolution. Students will complete a research project, designed and conducted with a faculty research mentor. After successfully completing the project the student will be awarded a Research Distinction degree designation at graduation.

Benefits to the student, mentor and VCOM:

Many faculty and students have ideas for research projects; your effort will advance these ideas.
Hypotheses and high-risk ideas can be tested to provide essential data for grant applications.
Publish peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts to demonstrate research prowess; improves residency competitiveness.
Preparing future physicians in primary care and specialties with cutting edge research experiences.
Increase grant supported research, critical to VCOM’s future.

Section Navigation: Research

The VCOM Research Division is here to help enable and facilitate your DO with Research Distinction experience:

Helping students match to research mentors.
Providing input by experienced researchers, including lectures and advice on conducting research, collaboration, publication ethics, paper writing.
Monitoring progress of student/mentor team.