Guidance Overview

Throughout the process, many questions tend to arise. Here is a list of resources available to Penn medical students for guidance as they navigate the process of conducting research:

ADVISORY DEAN

Your Advisory Dean (see under Student Affairs) is a great resource for discussing your research interests and brainstorming ideas. In addition, for fellowships that require a Dean's Letter, your Advisory Dean will write the letter for you. For all other fellowships, your Advisory Dean is an option for a recommendation letter.

MEDICAL STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP & RESEARCH

Contact the Associate Faculty Director of Medical Student Scholarship and Research or the Associate Director of the Combined Degree and Physician Scholar Programs, who would be happy to meet with you to discuss your research interests and brainstorm ideas.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Visit the Frequently Asked Questions to get answers to several frequently asked questions.

REGISTRAR

If you are considering a year out of research, the Registrar is a great resource to discuss planning electives, sub-Is, etc. in advance.

RESEARCH OPPS FOR FIRST YEARS INFO SESSION

Check out the recordings of the 2021 Intro to Research at Penn Information Sessions moderated by Dr. Mark Neuman, Associate Faculty Director of Medical Student Scholarship and Research.

    

IRB INFO SESSION

Check out the IRB/Data Protections Information Session (11/15/2021) by Jessica Yoos, Director, Human Research Protections Program at Penn. You may also access the presentation slides: Navigating the IRB and HIPAA in Research Education.

STUDENT ADVICE

Many of our Penn medical students, who have conducted prior short term and year out research projects, have ideas and advice that they'd like to share with interested students.

YEAR OUT INFO SESSION & PLANNING GUIDE

Check out the 2021 Year Out Research Opportunities Information Session (9/30/2021) moderated by Dr. Mark Neuman, Associate Faculty Director of Medical Student Scholarship and Research, with program directors and a student panel. You may also access the presentation slides.

If you are considering taking a year out from medical school, check out the Year Out Planning Guide for a couple of things for you to think about and be aware of.