MEDICAL STUDENT RESEARCH

The primary mission of Louisiana State University Health Shreveport is to Teach, Heal, and Discover, in order to advance the well-being of the State, region, and beyond. Research is essential to discovery. As such, medical student education and participation in research is a critical part of our mission.

Participation in research allows our students to distinguish themselves from their peers, which increases the likelihood of being accepted in the residency of their choice.

There are numerous opportunities for medical students to be involved in research on our campus. This includes curricular elements in the preclinical and clinical years, the medical student research program, research electives, a research track of distinction, and our MD/PhD program. Additionally, students at any stage of their training may volunteer to participate in research with faculty mentors from various departments.

How do I find a Research Opportunity?

How do I find a Research Opportunity?

Available Research Opportunities

Medical Student Research matches research faculty with medical students who are interested in participating in research projects in both Basic Science and Clinical areas of interest.

How do I list my available Research Project?

In effort to maintain up-to-date information on the research database, please inform our office of any research projects currently available to be included on the database and update us when the project is no longer available.

How do I locate a Research Project or Mentor?

Use the following link for a checklist which serves as a guide to help you navigate various research requirements: Medical Student Research CHECKLIST

Medical Students should contact Heather.Rivera@lsuhs.edu for assistance locating a mentor or project for research at LSUHS.

Medical Student Research Co-Directors

Mohammad A.N. Bhuiyan, PhD

Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine, Director of Biostatistics and Computational Biology

John A. Vanchiere, MD, PhD

Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Research, Professor of Pediatrics, Medical Director of Clinical Trials Office

Learn more about our Student Research Programs

Medical Student Research Program (MSRP)

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The medical student research project is a research opportunity that students can participate in during the summer between their first and second year of medical school (but is also available to other year groups). Students work with a faculty mentor on a research project, create a scientific poster, and present it during the annual MSRP poster session.

Learn more about the MSRP

Research Distinction Track (RDT)

Research Distinction Track

The purpose of the RDT is to encourage the development of faculty-student mentorship and critical thinking skills through meaningful and substantial long-term academic research. This project lasts longer than the typical MSRP but may be a continuation of the MSRP project. Students are required to present their completed work on at least two occasions – locally (such as the MSRP poster session or the Medical Student Research Symposium) and/or at regional and national conferences. Students will also write a full length manuscript on their research findings and submit it to an academic journal.

Learn More about the RDT

MD/PhD

MD/PhD Program

The MD-PhD Program promotes the education of physician scientists through dual enrollment in the School of Graduate Studies and the School of Medicine at LSU Health Shreveport in a more efficient and productive sequence than could be otherwise accomplished. The integration of clinical studies and research throughout the program is designed to encourage graduates to pursue research and education in a clinical setting throughout their careers.

Learn more about the MD/PhD Program

Clinical and Translational Distinction Track (CTDT)

Clinical and Translational Distinction Track Program

The Clinical and Translational Distinction Track (CTDT) Program provides graduate students with exposure to, and experience in, clinical research environments that will enhance their awareness of unique challenges faced by clinical research physicians and the need for clinical and basic science collaboration in successful clinical and translational research. Students will gain an appreciation for how recent/relevant basic research findings are disseminated and implemented within the clinical environment and will improve their communication skills through designing and implementing informational presentations to professional colleagues or the general public.

Learn more about the CTDT Program