Our team in the Office of the Associate Dean for Research is committed to helping medical students develop meaningful and productive research experiences with engaged and effective faculty mentors. Medical research is now performed in a variety of settings (hospital environments, laboratories, community sites, etc.) and approached through multiple different scholarly lenses including basic science, clinical/translational research, design, digital health/AI, health policy and advocacy, humanities, medical education, population health, and quality improvement. We encourage our students to explore the numerous biomedical research programs available at JABSOM and participate in the quality research experiences matching their individual passions.
Our faculty believe strongly that medical student participation in research enhances the development of responsible physicians capable of navigating a dynamic/evolving field. While conducting medical research requires a commitment of time and energy, it is a rewarding investment in personal and professional growth.
Benefits of Medical Student Participation in Research
Critical Thinking
Develop essential data evaluation skills and the ability to make evidence-based decisions, fostering a strong foundation for problem-solving in clinical and research settings.
Scientific Understanding
Gain in-depth knowledge of the scientific method and understand how medical advancements are made, providing the groundwork for meaningful contributions to the field.
Exposure to Current Practice Issues
Stay informed about contemporary challenges in medicine, including emerging diseases, evolving treatment protocols, and public health concerns, ensuring relevance in today’s medical landscape.
Skills Development
Acquire hands-on experience in data collection, statistical analysis, and scientific writing, crucial for conducting research and contributing to medical literature.
Networking Opportunities
Build valuable relationships with faculty, researchers, and peers, expanding your professional network and opening doors for future collaborations and career opportunities.
Contribution to the Field
Make impactful advancements in clinical care and public health, allowing you to contribute to the improvement of patient outcomes and the broader medical community.
Residency Applications
Strengthen your residency applications by demonstrating a proactive commitment to the field, showcasing your dedication to advancing medical knowledge and practice.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Engage in communication and teamwork across various disciplines, fostering a collaborative environment that enhances the scope and depth of medical research and care.
Personal Growth
Enhance your resiliency and adaptability by working on complex problems and navigating setbacks, important traits for any physician in their personal and professional life.
Lifelong Learning
Cultivate the habit of continuous learning and curiosity, essential for staying current with medical innovations and evolving practices throughout your career.
Research enriches the educational experience for a deeper understanding of biology and the disease process, prepares medical students with a sophisticated understanding of the current literature for evidence-based clinical practice, and offers students an opportunity to contribute to and advance the medical field. More than 90% of our medical students participate in research while at JABSOM and have a track record of demonstrating scientific impact through conference presentations and publications.
We invite you to become more actively involved in research at JABSOM:
Kristy M. Shine, MD, PhD
Medical Student Research Director
Email: kshine@hawaii.edu