Whether your goal is clinical practice, scientific contribution, or another scholarly pathway, research can be an important part of your medical training. The Office of Medical Student Research is ready and eager to connect you with a program and a mentor that meets your interests.
Research is a key component of the academic program at Washington University School of Medicine (WUSM). WUSM is an internationally recognized institution where outstanding faculty deliver compassionate patient care and conduct world-class research. Training amongst such professionals provides medical students with the opportunity to learn the art of medicine while engaging directly in scientific inquiry. Although biomedical research is not required, approximately 95 percent of students choose to undertake a research opportunity during their training at WUSM. This success is a testament not only to the talent and hard work of our medical students, but also to the quality and dedication of our research faculty and the support and organization of medical student research infrastructure at WUSM. Most students first engage with scholarly research at WUSM through the EXPLORE Program, a longitudinal curriculum that helps connect students with their academic interests and builds proficiency in academic medical pathways, including biomedical research. Through EXPLORE and OMSR, students are supported to engage in research via a number of programs and opportunities. These include defined research periods in phases 2 and 3, as well as opportunities to earn dual degrees in related disciplines. OMSR and EXPLORE are your partners in this exciting journey!
Sincerely, Koong-Nah Chung
Koong-Nah Chung, PhD
Associate Dean for Medical Student Research
Director of the Office of Medical Student Research
Instructor of Cell Biology and Physiology
Washington University School of Medicine
Dean Chung and EXPLORE/OMSR Program Manager Roz Robinson work personally with each student to identify interests, find faculty mentors, and arrange support.
Endless opportunities
The research enterprise at Washington University is among the most extensive in the world. Renowned and gifted faculty investigators help students learn how discovery takes place and how to practice medicine at the edge of what is known.
Student research by the numbers
- 2,100+ faculty mentors available to mentor students in any specialty
- more that 90% of medical students choose to participate in a research program during their training
- 98% of student researchers recommend their research program*
*Based on most recent data.
Jeffrey T. Fort Neuroscience Research Building
In late 2023, laboratories from the Departments of Neurology, Neurosurgery, Neuroscience, and several others moved into the new Jeffrey T. Fort Neuroscience Research Building, an 11-story, 609,000-square-foot facility on the WUSM campus that brings together more than 100 research teams focused on solving the many mysteries of the brain.
Nobel Laureates
Washington University has been affiliated with 26 Nobel Laureates, including 19 Nobel Prizes in Physiology or Medicine.
Get started
Meet with Dean Chung to review research opportunities and discuss the best match for your goals, schedule, and interests.