At UAB, we strongly believe that excellence in medical education goes hand in hand with scientific discovery.

To support our residents’ academic interests and career goals, we offer dedicated research opportunities through our Scholarly Research Block, which provides up to two months of protected research time during the PGY-2 and PGY-3 years. For those with a deeper interest in academic medicine or physician-scientist careers, the Research Scholar Program offers a competitive three-month research block focused on the development of research skills and the pursuit of a meaningful scientific question. While residents continue to maintain limited clinical responsibilities during these blocks, the primary focus is on advancing scholarly work in a supportive and resource-rich environment.

StARR Program

At UAB, we are also proud to offer the Stimulating Access to Research in Residency (StARR) Program, a competitive, NIH NIAID R38–funded opportunity designed to support physician-scientist development. Each year, up to four residents—drawn from Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Pathology, Surgery, and OB/GYN—are selected for a 12‑month mentored research experience under the guidance of faculty preceptors with strong NIH funding and mentoring records. Residents commit at least 80% effort to pursue research aligned with NIAID’s mission in infectious diseases, immunology, or allergy. The program provides salaried protected time, up to $16,000 in research funds, and $3,000 in travel support to present findings at national meetings, with the option to extend for an additional year.

StARR also includes structured career development in research methodology, scientific writing, responsible conduct of research, communication of findings, and team science—laying a strong foundation for a transition to independent investigator status. Successful completion makes participants eligible for NIH K38 career development awards, further supporting their aspirations toward academic leadership and independent funding.”

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2024 – 2025 Resident Research Outcomes

Our residents have a wide range research interests from basic and translational science to quality improvement and medical education. Each year, many of our of residents go on to publish peer-reviewed manuscripts, review articles, case reports, book chapters, and present at local, regional and national meetings. Residents whose research efforts are selected for presentation at national conferences are given financial support for travel and presentation expenses.