Biomedical and Clinical Research

The goal of the Biomedical and Clinical Research Track is to give dedicated students an early opportunity to participate in research projects, whether they are laboratory, clinical or OMM based. Students participate in one to two monthly meetings that aim to expose the students to the research process. In the first few months of the program the students will identify research opportunities for summer research projects. Ideally and as time permits the students will get accustomed to their research projects during the first two semesters. The main research activities will then be conducted in the established six week summer research program. Participating students will present their work during the second year at the “Western Student and Resident Medical Research Forum” in Carmel, CA. In their third and fourth year the students of the track are required to choose at least one clinical research rotation as an elective.

The Biochemical and Clinical Research Track is ideal for students that want to gain significant research experience, whether they have previous undergraduate experience or have identified research as a new-found passion. Opportunities exist in laboratory-based research on campus and in clinical or OMM based research, both off and on campus. Students will be guided to identify a suitable mentor and research project. A journal club allows for practicing presentation and critical reading of the scientific literature. Attendance of research seminars allows the students to gain insights into current topics of active biomedical advances.

Medicine as it is practiced today has been shaped over the last two centuries by the discoveries of research giants from Koch and Pasteur to Watson and Crick. Significant federal investments into biomedical research continues to make the field of medicine ever evolving. In the next decades exiting developments can be expected in many new areas. Discoveries in human genetics and new technologies such as next generation sequencing and genome editing show promise in the eradication of genetic diseases. Likewise, we are only just starting to appreciate the human microbiome and its connection to health and disease. Significant developments can be expected in these and other areas of active research.

It is essential for any physician to have access to the ever expanding knowledge base created by biomedical and clinical research. Early immersion into research endeavors by members of the Biomedical and Clinical Research Track aims to equip our students with the knowledge of how to critically read and understand the existing literature and the to dive into the research process. We anticipate that students of the track will become leaders in their respective medical fields by embracing their role as lifelong learners and critical thinkers.

Biomedical & Clinical Research Track

The Biochemical and Clinical Research Track is ideal for students that want to gain significant research experience, whether they have previous undergraduate experience or have identified research as a new-found passion. Opportunities exist in laboratory-based research on campus and in clinical or OMM based research, both off and on campus. Students will be guided to identify a suitable mentor and research project. A journal club allows for practicing presentation and critical reading of the scientific literature. Attendance of research seminars allows the students to gain insights into current topics of active biomedical advances.

Students acquire skills necessary to conduct scientific studies and participate in laboratory, clinical or osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) research projects under a mentor of their choice.

 

 

 

Year 1

  • Identification of Research Mentor/Project
  • Summer Research
  • Monthly Journal Club
  • Research Seminar
  • Student Mentoring

Year 2

  • Presentation of Research at Conference
  • Journal Club
  • Research Seminars
  • Student Mentoring

Student Experiences

Derek Kono

Research papers can be very dense and detailed. I am learning how to properly dissect a research paper with an investigatory lens. When we become physicians, this is an important skill in order to keep up with and properly understand all the current medical research and findings. The most valuable experience has been working closely and building a relationship with Dr. Szurmant, Dr. Fuchs, and Dr. Peterfy. Being able to lean on them for guidance and use their insight into research has made this track both enjoyable and very useful for our future career as a physician.

BCR track student

The Biomedical and Clinical Research Track is a 4 year program that allows its students the opportunity to hear from leading researchers in the medical fields as well as refine their own research skills. It entails monthly research seminars from various professors across the world, journal club where we meet once per month to discuss a research paper on a relevant medical topic, hands-on summer research after the first year, and one research rotation in the third or fourth year.

Irene Kim

Since I was an early undergraduate in 2009, I have enjoyed conducting research and contributing to medical advances. I have also enjoyed writing for publications, despite the challenges. Over time, it has become a significant aspect of my brand that I intend on further developing during medical school. I have high hopes that my long-term research experience and publications will improve my chances at matching into my desired specialty: General Surgery.

Biomedical and Clinical Research Track

Pomona Campus:

Hendrik Szurmant, PhD

Hendrik Szurmant, PhD

Associate Professor of Microbiology

Oregon Campus:

Belinda McCully, PhD

Belinda McCully, PhD

Assistant Professor of Physiology, COMP-Northwest

Brian Wasko, PhD

Brian Wasko, PhD

Assistant Professor of Biochemistry