Behind the breakthroughs: Philanthropy makes medical student research possible

Powering summer research that shapes future physicians 

Summer Research Assistantships (SRAs) are an early and formative opportunity for medical students between their first and second years. These are intensive 8- to 10-week summer projects—under the mentorship of a Brown faculty member—that allow students to explore potential career paths, spark new passions, and enrich both their education and future practice of medicine.

Donor support makes many of these summer research experiences possible. Approximately one-third of this year’s projects were directly supported by donors through the Brown Medical Annual Fund, and another 15% were funded by endowed and current-use student research funds.

For medical students like Justine Elshama MD’28, participating in research over the summer broadened her expertise in patient interaction and healthcare management. 

“I have had the opportunity to learn the foundations of medicine in the classroom, understand the realities of care in the hospital, and use these experiences to recognize gaps in health and medicine,” said Elshama. “Participating in research has encouraged me to think more critically about how we can address health needs and taught me how to be an active participant in both my education and my surrounding communities.” 

Each fall, students from the SRA program gather at The Warren Alpert Medical School to showcase their summer research projects. This year,  the 19th annual academic symposium featured more than 140 research poster presentations spanning basic science, clinical research, health policy, education, and medical humanities. 

Funding summer research projects is one of the many ways alumni and friends of The Warren Alpert Medical School support current medical students. Philanthropy plays a pivotal role in driving student discovery and innovation. It’s an investment in the future—because these research opportunities prepare the next generation of physicians for roles in academia, clinical care, and healthcare leadership.