Other Research Opportunities

Research Opportunities

Biomedical investigation is an integral mission of the UMass Chan Department of Medicine. Our faculty hold over 50 NIH grants with total extramural research funding exceeding $42 million annually. The Department occupies research laboratories in the medical school and in the 600,000 sq. ft. Lazare Research Building, offering state-of-the-art facilities conducive to a productive and vibrant research program and fostering interactions with the entire research community. In addition, residents have opportunities to develop skills in clinical research within a large number of clinical trials ongoing throughout the medical center and its affiliates. Our residents also participate in numerous educational venues including seminars, journal clubs, and meetings with invited speakers.

Research experience offers many advantages to residents including the opportunity to probe deeply into an area of personal interest and a chance to work closely with faculty members. Many housestaff elect to participate in clinical investigation during their residency.  It is common for residents to gain authorship of scientific publications.  Please see the link under “Scholarly Activity” for examples.

The Research Pathway

The ABIM Research Pathway offers traditional and innovative programs flexibly designed for the resident who desires training as a physician - scientist and a career in academic medicine. This track, approved by the American Board of Internal Medicine, combines streamlined clinical training with a structured research experience. 

Two options in the Pathway may be followed, depending on the trainee’s personal interests:

• The Internal Medicine Research Pathway requires a total of 5 years of training: 24 months of clinical internal medicine and 36 months of research training.
• The Sub-Specialty Research Pathway entails a total of 6 or 7 years: 24 months in Internal Medicine, 12 or 24 months in subspecialty clinical training (depending on the subspecialty) and 36 months in research training. All fellowship programs within the Department of Medicine enthusiastically participate in this program.