Student Research

Throughout the history of the School of Medicine, researchers at Case Western Reserve University and its hospital partners have been at the forefront of important medical breakthroughs. As a student at the School of Medicine, you can be part of this robust community shaping the future of medicine through work in leading-edge laboratories, clinical practices and neighborhood settings.

The School of Medicine is the largest biomedical research institution in Ohio, as measured by funding received from the National Institutes of Health, the country's largest funding agency of biomedical research. The medical school receives more NIH funding than all other Ohio medical schools combined and is in the top tier of all medical schools in the country in receiving such funding. For students, these facts translate into numerous opportunities to work side by side with investigators who are leaders in their fields.

Whether you're part of the University Program, the College Program or the Medical Scientist Training Program, conducting basic or clinical research will be an integral part of your education. Understanding the scientific process, being able to critically read and analyze scientific literature, and knowing how to formulate hypotheses will help you be successful whether your career is in clinical care, research or both.

The School of Medicine has instituted a 12-week long, mentored research thesis requirement for all students in the University Program. Considering medical innovation comes from medical research we feel it is essential for our students to appreciate the science of discovery. The objective of this cornerstone is to help students acquire tools and experience in asking questions, critically

Several annual student research events enable students to receive recognition and gain experience in presenting the findings of their basic science, clinical science and health policy projects.