Throughout the history of the School of Medicine, researchers at Case Western Reserve University and its hospital partners have been at the forefront of medical breakthroughs. As a School of Medicine student, 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 for biomedical research. The medical school receives more NIH funding than all other Ohio medical schools combined and ranks in the nation’s top tier of all medical schools for NIH funding. Additionally, in 2026, CWRU was rated as the #1 fastest-growing research university in the Association of American Universities. 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. With appropriate guidance, students may begin research in their first year or continue research beyond the required 12-week block.
Medical innovation is driven by dedicated research, making it essential for our students to understand and value the process of scientific discovery. The objective of this cornerstone is to equip students with the tools and experience needed to ask meaningful questions, critically evaluate results, make informed decisions about next steps, and understand how data can shape future discoveries.
Several annual student research events, such as the annual Graduate and Medical Student Research Day, enable students to receive recognition and gain experience in presenting the findings of their basic science, clinical science and health policy projects.