Up to $25,000 in research grants available for students and residents

Treating tomorrow’s health concerns starts with today’s research projects.

To support the research training of the profession’s emerging leaders, the AOA has created two separate programs to facilitate research on the osteopathic approach to practicing medicine by medical students and residents. Students and physicians in training with an interest in research are encouraged to apply for funding from the AOA. The deadline for current available grants is May 31, 2017.

Grant recipients will make significant contributions to osteopathic medicine by conducting basic science, clinical, or health-services-related research projects.

Importance of research training

Applying for a research training grant from the AOA is a great way to learn how to publish research and share new knowledge at the forefront of osteopathic medicine.

Kathleen Ackert, OMS I, has applied for a grant to monitor and study how first-year students deal with the stress of medical school.

“Having these opportunities so early shows us the benefits of doing research and hopefully will keep us involved throughout our busy future careers,” says Ackert, who attends the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Grants bolster mentorship

A good mentor can make a world of difference for a young researcher just starting out. Recipients of the AOA’s research training grants are required to work with a mentor who is committed to the research topic and the applicant’s career development.

“My primary mentor is from the anatomy department at PCOM and has been integral in helping me gather the resources I need,” says Ackert.

The fine print

Here’s the breakdown of the requirements and funding available for the two programs:

RFA: Physicians in Training Research Program

• Up to $20,000 in researching funding available.
• 18-month grant period.
• Proposals must incorporate and address the osteopathic approach to practicing medicine.
• Preference will be given to proposals that use novel approaches and lead to results that can be translated into physician practices.
• While the AOA prefers novel approaches, supplemental projects of existing research studies will be considered for funding.

RFA: Osteopathic Medical Students Research Program

• Up to $5,000 in research funding available.
• 6-to 12-month grant period.
• Proposals must incorporate and address the osteopathic approach to practicing medicine.
• Funding will support supplemental projects of existing research studies only.
  • Supplemental projects must have research questions and specific aims distinct from the existing study.

The deadline for applicants to either program is May 31, 2017. For more information, visit Osteopathic.org or contact AOA Research Manager Gloria Dillard, MPH, at gdillard@osteopathic.org or by phone at (312) 202-8006.