The University of Washington School of Medicine (UWSOM) has a strong commitment to training future physicians to better serve patients with developmental disabilities. Through the UWSOM’s Independent Investigative Inquiry (III) program, funding is available to support medical research or medical training projects focused upon improvement of services to persons with developmental disabilities.
Five (5) projects may be funded each year and students receive a $5,000 student stipend, with an additional $5,000 to help the mentor support the research project expenses.
The student is expected to work full-time on the project over a 10-week period during the summer between his/her first and second year of medical school. Under faculty mentorship, the student submits a research proposal which must be approved for feasibility and scientific method prior to work commencing. On completion of the summer work, the student produces an independent research paper on the research performed. The faculty mentor oversees the student in this process and approves the final paper.
Previously sponsored project titles include:
- Diabetes in adults with developmental disabilities
- Omega three fatty acids for children with autism
- Does Vitamin D supplementation prevent fractures in children with cerebral palsy?
- Does atypical head growth predict autism symptoms and severity?
- Electrophysiological risk markers in infants at risk for autism
If you have questions about this program, please contact the Curriculum Office.