Research is an integral component of the education and training of future physicians, as it helps further the field and build on its discoveries. Involvement in research can be engaged at any time during training and it is usually easy to get initiated into a research project as most mentors are incredibly receptive. However, taking the next step is a barrier for many as there is limited advertised information regarding student and trainee grants to perform higher level, funded research. Herein, we have compiled a list of some of the grant and award programs that support medical students, residents and fellows to conduct research with a wide variety of purposes. They offer trainees the option to conduct translational, basic science or clinical research.
SIR Foundation offers several such opportunities:
Summer Medical Internship Program: The SIR Foundation Summer Medical Internship Program introduces medical students to IR research and medical device development. Applications for the 2022 Summer Medical Internship Program open on Oct. 1, 2021, and close on Jan. 15, 2022.
Grants for Education of Medical Students Program: This program provides medical students from diverse backgrounds with scholarships to fund visiting clerkship rotations in interventional radiology and attendance at the SIR Annual Scientific Meeting. Applications for Cycle 3 are due on Aug. 1, 2021.
Radiology Resident Research Grant: This grant is designed to foster an interest in research by funding a research project conducted by the resident in an area identified by SIR Foundation as important to the advancement of interventional radiology and patient care. Applications are due by January 15, 2022 by 5 p.m. E.T.
The Dr. and Mrs. W.C. Culp Student Research Grant: This grant is designed to foster an interest in research by funding a summer research project conducted by a medical student in an area identified by SIR Foundation as important to the advancement of interventional radiology and patient care. Applications are due January 15, 2022 by 5 p.m. E.T.
There are multiple grants available outside of SIR Foundation as well. The Resident/Fellow Research Grant offered by The Radiological Society of North America funds a resident or a fellow ($30,000 /$50,000) to pursue research in a variety of fields including hypothesis-driven basic science, clinical investigation, drug, device or therapy development, quality improvement, clinical practice efficacy, or imaging informatics. This is meant to further encourage young investigators to gain insight into and develop competence in techniques and research methods in IR.
Additionally, the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB), founded by the NIH, offers “a wide variety of grants for medical professionals in training or practice. Each grant offers many funding opportunities with distinct purposes.” The funding opportunities within each grant offers different requirements and award amounts. One such grant is the NBIB F32 Ruth L. Kirschstein Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award, which at the time of this article has 5 funding opportunities. This award is meant to enhance the research training of promising postdoctoral candidates (residents). This grant includes funding for stipends, institutional allowance (expenses such as health insurance, research supplies, equipment, books and travel to scientific meetings), and tuition and fees, while others may provide additional funding for clinical trials. The specific amount is dependent on the current level of training of the recipient and type of institution.
Research is a cornerstone of the interventional radiology educational pathway and practice. Continuing to encourage these endeavors during medical school, residency, and fellowship in the form of mentorship and financial support is of utmost importance to continue the pursuit of knowledge and better clinical practice. We hope to inform those currently in training and considering interventional radiology as a career of the many opportunities offered and encourage their participation.
For more information on grants, visit sirfoundation.org and or view more NBIB grants here.
