Resident Research

All Internal Medicine residents are required to perform a research project during their residency. This fosters an understanding of research techniques, biostatistics and interpretation of the literature. Research opportunities are available within all subspecialties and in the basic sciences. The resident outpatient practice, University Medical Associates, offers another source for clinical research projects.

The department offers support for resident research, including a weekly evidence-based medicine conference and a Clinical Investigation course taught by faculty in the Department of Medicine and the Department of Public Health Sciences. This weekly Fall semester lecture series covers basic statistical concepts, critical analysis of the literature, and methods to collect and synthesize data from multiple sources.

All residents present their research at the end of their third year at a university-wide research day. Many residents also publish and present their work at state and national meetings (e.g., American College of Physicians).

Note: If you would like to explore basic or clinical research in greater depth during your residency, please indicate this at the time you arrange an interview and identify one or two subspecialty areas that interest you. We will arrange a tour of our research facilities and a time for you to meet with faculty investigators in your areas of interest.

Check out information about our new Research Timeline | Research Proposal Form

"This research focus was evident early on as I was welcomed to become an integral member of a project studying how thiazolidinediones inhibit the expression of pro-angiogenic ELR+ CXC chemokines in non-small cell lung cancer. This opportunity is enabling me to lay the foundation for a career in academic medicine. Research experience, coupled with well-rounded clinical training, sets UVA residents apart from other fellowship candidates."

Examples of Resident Research:

• Effect of Diabetes Control on Resistance to Erythropoietin in End Stage Renal Disease Patients
• Detection of Cryptosporidium hominis and C. parvum in Stool by Multiplex Real-Time PCR
• Off-label use of recombinant Factor VIIa: Clincal experience and predictors of outcomes
• Effect of non-contrast CT scans prior to ICP monitoring on outcomes in pts with fulminant liver failure
• Comparison of Vasoactive and Inotropic Agents in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure and Cardiogenic Shock: Effectiveness, Impact on Major Adverse Cardiac Events and Long-Term Mortality
• Assessing mortality prediction models in the ICU
• Real-time Rotational ICE Imaging of the Relationship of the Ablation Catheter Tip and the Esophagus During Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
• DVT Prophylaxis in General Medicine Patients at UVa: A Quality Improvement Project
• Urinary 12-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic Acid is Elevated in Obese Non-Diabetic Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Compared with Body Mass Index-Matched Controls
• Addressing End of Life Issues in a Residents' Continuity Clinic
• Cotransfection of NIH3T3 Fibroblasts with Tristetraprolin (TTP) and SRC or RAS Does Not Appear to Protect Cells from TTP-Mediated Apoptosis
• Investigation of the Prognostic Value of Gated Spect Myocardial Perfusion Imaging and Coronary Angiography in Patients with Left Main or Severe Three Vessel CAD
• Stimulation of Interleukin (IL-10) Production by B Lymphocytes via Inhibition of IL-4: Immune Deviation Towards Regulatory Function 

"I arrived at UVA with no experience in basic science or medical research, but knowing I wanted to pursue a career in gastroenterology after residency. I started working on my first case report during my second month of internship and several attendings approached me within my first six months here to participate in research projects in all aspects of gastroenterology. Currently, I'm completing research in pancreatic duct stenting with an internationally-known gastroenterologist. My plans also include a project in hepatology and a book chapter on pancreaticobiliary disease. The fellowship match results indicate that UVA residents are strong candidates for some of the most competitive gastroenterology fellowships in the country. In addition, I believe my research experience will provide a strong basis for a career in academic medicine."

Community Service

In addition to the planned curriculum, residents are involved in several unique community service activities.

RAM Clinic: Rural Outreach Medicine

Many residents volunteer to participate in the RAM Clinic held in Wise, Virginia, five hours from Charlottesville in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.

This University-supported activity provides health care to underserved populations who come to the annual clinic from throughout western Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and West Virginia.

Patient services include mammography, colon cancer screening, retinal screening via telemedicine technology, and some gynecological procedures. Comprehensive screening for diabetes and hypertension was a special focus at a recent clinic.

Charlottesville Free Clinic

The Charlottesville Free Clinic was founded in 1992 by two University of Virginia Internal Medicine residents. Many residents volunteer at this non-profit clinic that provides free care and medications to the working poor population of Charlottesville and surrounding counties and other patients who "fall through the cracks" of the health care system. Since the clinic's inception, many Internal Medicine Residents have taken major roles in both provision of medical care and also administrative functions such as medical directorship.