Research in the Department of Emergency Medicine
The section of Clinical Research within the Department of Emergency Medicine at The George Washington University is organized to formulate and answer research hypothesis in the field of Emergency Medicine. A group of physician-investigators that includes our faculty, fellows, and residents are the lead investigators in a number of research projects that require enrollment of Emergency Departments into the studies. These investigations range from simple chart reviews or administration of simple patient surveys to more complicated, multi-center clinical studies. Some of our studies only include a small sample of patients while others enroll thousands of patients.
Examples of our current research projects include:
- The use of a new FDA approved assay to test abscesses for MRSA,
- testing patients presenting to the ED with upper abdominal pain for H. Pylori infection,
- assessing the use of cell phones while driving,
- screening patients with nonpsychiatric chief complaints for depression,
- utilization of capsule endoscopy for patients with a suspected gastrointestinal bleeding.
Program Overview
The Summer Research Assistant Internship Program with The George Washington University Department of Emergency Medicine provides college students with the opportunity to participate in the Department's clinical research programs. Participants are exposed to various research methods and fundamental elements of clinical medicine by spending time collecting data and enrolling appropriate patients into the studies. We are seeking outstanding undergraduate students interested in pursuing a career in medicine, health sciences, clinical research, or other health related fields. Research assistants will work on studies that will provide them with exposure to the spectrum of clinical research including data collection, patient interaction, and utilization of innovative research methods employed in the Emergency Department. In addition to collecting data, summer assistants will be exposed to the process of designing research studies including issues of human subject protection, data analysis, and publication.
The ability of a student researcher to adequately collect data in a vibrant and often times hectic environment will test individuals and help determine their intention to pursue a career in medicine or, perhaps just as importantly, to not pursue a career in medicine.
Program Requirements
- Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application,
- currently matriculated in a college or university. (If you are a graduating high school senior, proof of enrollment for the upcoming fall semester is required),
- undergraduate students, pre-medical students, post-baccalaureate students, medical students and graduate students are welcome to apply,
- good academic standing,
- proof of judiciary record or lack thereof from undergraduate institution. Note: students with a judiciary record may still apply to the program,
- a strong interest in clinical research and pursuing studies in a health related field.
Application Process
Application opens: November 1, 2011:
Applicants may begin submitting materials to EMEDresearch2012@gmail.com starting November 1, 2011
Deadline to apply: January 1, 2011:
All applicants must submit application materials by this date.
***Please read the following instructions carefully***
Students are required to submit several items in support of their application. If the applicant has any questions prior to submitting their application materials please email Meaghan Smith at msmith@mfa.gwu.edu.
The following materials should be sent by the applicant to EMEDresearch2012@gmail.com. The subject line of the email should read "Applicant: Name (First, Middle and Last):" The body of the email should include the following:
- Name (First, Middle and Last)
- Address
- Phone Number
- Preferred email address
- College/Universities attended
- Year in school
- Expected graduation date
The following materials should be attached to the email:
- Resume (word document or PDF file)
- Unofficial transcript (PDF file)
- 1 page; single spaced essay in Times New Roman 12 point font and 1 inch margins describing the reason(s) for their interest in our summer research program (word document or PDF file)
In addition to the above materials, applicants should submit two letters of recommendation (one from a previous employer (paid or unpaid), one from a science faculty member).
- These letters should NOT be submitted directly by the student but rather they should be emailed directly from the letter writer to EMEDresearch2012@gmail.com
- The subject line of the email from each letter writer should read: "Letter of Recommendation for Applicant: Name (First, Middle, and Last)"
Applicants that do not follow the above instructions will not be considered for the program
- An initial paper cut of applications will take place and all applicants will be notified by January 20 of interview decision
- Interviews will take place throughout the month of February (in person or via Skype)
- Applicants will be notified between March 15-March 30 of their selection to the program
Program Overview
- Three day training and 10 week program (no exceptions on start and end date)
- Start date: Wednesday, May 30, 2012
- End date: Friday, August 10, 2012
- Attend mandatory training 9am-5pm June 1st - June 3rd
- Mandatory 24 hours in the Emergency Department each week (shifts range from 8am - 12am midnight).
- Students are expected to keep Monday-Friday throughout the 10 weeks available for shifts. Students will be expected to work two Saturday shifts throughout the course of the 10 week program
- Attend mandatory educational curriculum (bi-weekly throughout the 10 weeks, journal club, guest speakers, etc...)
- Students will be required to complete a background check, drug screen, hospital orientation, and Medical Faculty Associates orientation in April or May of 2012
- Students will be required to read and sign a Research Assistant Code of Conduct. Students are responsible for all information included in the code and are to abide by the code at all times. Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken with those students that do not abide by the code.
For more information on the Summer Research Assistant Internship, or if you have questions, please contact Meaghan Smith at msmith@mfa.gwu.edu.
