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2023-2024 Best Medical Schools: Research

Ranked in 2023

A medical career starts with finding the program that best fits your needs. With the

A medical career starts with finding the program that best fits your needs. With the U.S. News rankings of the top medical schools for research, narrow your search by location, tuition, school size and test scores. Footnotes below specify schools that declined to fill out the U.S. News statistical survey. Please review our methodology to see how those schools' data were used in the ranking. Read the methodology »

For full rankings, MCAT scores and student debt data, sign up for the U.S. News Medical School Compass .

Here are the 2023-2024 Best Medical Schools: Research

Harvard university, johns hopkins university, university of pennsylvania (perelman), columbia university, duke university, stanford university, university of california--san francisco, vanderbilt university, washington university in st. louis.

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• # 1 in Best Medical Schools: Research

$66,284 (full-time) TUITION AND FEES

699 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

Its tuition is full-time: $66,284. The faculty-student ratio at Harvard University is 14.6:1. The Medical School has... Read More »

TUITION AND FEES

$66,284 (full-time)

ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

Mcat total score.

Baltimore , MD

• # 2 in Best Medical Schools: Research

$59,700 (full-time) TUITION AND FEES

470 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The School of Medicine at Johns Hopkins University has an application deadline of Oct. 15. The application fee at Johns... Read More »

$59,700 (full-time)

Philadelphia , PA

• # 3 in Best Medical Schools: Research

$61,586 (full-time) TUITION AND FEES

626 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania (Perelman) has an application deadline of Oct. 15. The... Read More »

$61,586 (full-time)

New York , NY

• # 4 in Best Medical Schools: Research

$66,816 (full-time) TUITION AND FEES

577 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University has an application deadline of Oct. 15. The application... Read More »

$66,816 (full-time)

Durham , NC

• # 5 in Best Medical Schools: Research  (tie)

$63,310 (full-time) TUITION AND FEES

507 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The School of Medicine at Duke University has an application deadline of Oct. 15. The application fee at Duke... Read More »

$63,310 (full-time)

Stanford , CA

$63,747 (full-time) TUITION AND FEES

491 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The School of Medicine at Stanford University has an application deadline of Oct. 3. The application fee at Stanford... Read More »

$63,747 (full-time)

San Francisco , CA

$38,073 (in-state, full-time) TUITION AND FEES

$50,318 (out-of-state, full-time) TUITION AND FEES

680 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The School of Medicine at University of California--San Francisco has an application deadline of Oct. 15. The... Read More »

$38,073 (in-state, full-time)

$50,318 (out-of-state, full-time)

Nashville , TN

$64,882 (full-time) TUITION AND FEES

407 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The School of Medicine at Vanderbilt University has an application deadline of Nov. 1. The application fee at... Read More »

$64,882 (full-time)

St. Louis , MO

$65,001 (full-time) TUITION AND FEES

448 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The School of Medicine at Washington University in St. Louis has an application deadline of Nov. 30. The application... Read More »

$65,001 (full-time)

Cornell University (Weill)

• # 10 in Best Medical Schools: Research  (tie)

$62,650 (full-time) TUITION AND FEES

451 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The Weill Cornell Medical College at Cornell University (Weill) has an application deadline of Oct. 16. The application... Read More »

$62,650 (full-time)

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U.s. news & world report announces 2022 best research-oriented medical schools.

The annual U.S. News & World Report Best Medical Schools: Research rankings for 2022 were announced today, and the list reaffirmed that the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine is one of the best in the country. The school of medicine was ranked #7 out of more than 100 medical schools in the nation.

Seven of our specialty programs, which are ranked by peer review, are in the top five this year:

#1 – Anesthesiology  #1 – Radiology  #1 – Surgery  #2 – Internal Medicine  #2 – Psychiatry  #4 – Pediatrics  #5 – Obstetrics and Gynecology

We are also honored that our peers ranked us #1 in reputation among all institutions in the country. Our medical students were recognized as having some of the highest academic credentials, including grade point averages (GPA) and Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores.

While the school of medicine has consistently earned one of the top spots in the U.S. News & World Report graduate program rankings, it is important to note that an unexpected change in methodology contributed to a shift in our position on the list — as well as in the ranking of many other medical schools.

Specifically, U.S. News & World Report used 2019 data provided the prior year for research funds (when the school of medicine was ranked #2), but utilized these data in a different way, which we do not believe captured the full extent of the school of medicine’s research enterprise. We are confident that the changes in reported funding amounts are solely related to methodologic changes and not to changes in performance.

Medical school rankings from independent evaluators, such as the one performed by U.S. News & World Report , provide reference points for current and prospective learners, but they do not tell the whole story of the quality of education. We believe the feedback from our students, faculty members and educational peers is an equally important reflection of the caliber of our medical school.

Since our beginnings more than a century ago, the faculty and staff at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have endeavored to provide training and education of the highest quality to the next generation of medical students, graduate students, residents and postdoctoral fellows. This will continue to be our top priority. 

All of the medical schools on this year’s list are of high caliber, and it is a privilege to be in their company. For a complete list of the 2022 rankings, and to learn more about the methodology, please visit the U.S. News & World Report website.

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Johns Hopkins Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine

U.s. news & world report 2023 best research-oriented medical schools.

The annual U.S. News & World Report Best Medical Schools: Research rankings for 2023 were announced today, and the list reaffirmed that the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine is one of the best in the country. The school of medicine is ranked #3 out of more than 100 research-oriented medical schools in the nation.  

Seven of our specialty programs, which are ranked by peer review, are in the top 10 this year, with six in the top five:

#1 – Internal Medicine

#1 – Radiology 

#1 – Surgery 

#2 – Anesthesiology

#3 – Psychiatry 

#4 – Pediatrics 

#6 – Obstetrics and Gynecology 

We are also honored that our peers ranked us #1 in reputation among all institutions in the country. Our medical students were recognized as having some of the highest academic credentials, including grade point averages and Medical College Admission Test scores. 

Additionally, U.S. News & World Report’ s 2023 Best Graduate Schools list ranked programs affiliated with the school of medicine within the top 10 for these areas:

#1 – Biomedical Engineering 

#3 – Molecular Biology, tied with CalTech and Stanford

#4 – Cell Biology

#4 – Neuroscience, tied with UCSF

#5 – Immunology

#6 – Genetics, Genomics, Bioinformatics, tied with Baylor and Yale

#8 – Biochemistry, Biophysics, Structural Biology

We also congratulate our colleagues across Johns Hopkins: Both the school of nursing and the school of public health are ranked #1 this year, while the school of education is ranked #14 and the Whiting School of Engineering is ranked #16. 

Since our beginnings more than a century ago, faculty and staff members at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have endeavored to provide training and education of the highest quality to the next generation of medical students, graduate students, residents and postdoctoral fellows. This will continue to be our top priority. 

All the medical schools on this year’s list are of high caliber, and it is a privilege to be in their company. 

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Research for medical school admissions: what do you need to know.

Reviewed by:

Jonathan Preminger

Former Admissions Committee Member, Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine

Reviewed: 4/25/24

There are several ways in which you can make your application for medical school more attractive to the eyes of admissions committees.

While research experience is not a requirement for most schools, having a research background that is sound, aligns with your major and interests, is fundamentally strong, and overall complements your application’s theme is a perfect way to be a competitive candidate and enhance your possibilities of getting into medical school.

This guide will teach you all that you need to know about research for medical school, ensuring you’ll gain successful and meaningful experiences.

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Importance of Research for Medical School‍

Your MCAT , GPA, extracurriculars, and clinical experience all play a role in your admissions chances. But research is also key! Most but not all students accepted to medical school have research experience.

According to a survey of incoming medical students conducted by the AAMC , 60% of students participated in some kind of laboratory research for college students. Experts in the field have made their ideas about it very clear; Dr. Petrella, a Stanford University Ph.D. and mentor, states: 

“Our belief is that an exercise science curriculum provides students the opportunity to become responsible professionals of competence and integrity in the area of health and human performance.” 

Today, we’ll talk about how to prepare for and strategically use research to enhance your application and make it more interesting and rich in the eyes of the admissions committee. But first, take a quick look at why you should gain research experience in your undergraduate career. 

What Counts as Research for Medical School?‍

While most research is good research, some things should be taken into consideration before jumping into the next opportunity available: 

• Clinical research is great but research in the humanities or social sciences also counts
• Good research experience develops your writing skills, critical thinking skills, professionalism, integrity, and ability to analyze data
• It’s important to contribute to the research for a long period of time—several months rather than a couple weeks
• You can participate in research part-time or full-time; both count
• You should get involved in research related to your major, desired career, and interests
• Be committed and deeply involved in the research—you’ll be asked about it in interviews!
• Being published as a top contributor of any related research papers looks the best 

Overall, there isn’t really “bad” research experience, so long as you’re committed, make clear contributions, and are genuinely passionate about the subject! 

How to Gain Research Experience as a Pre Med

There are several ways to become involved in research and find research opportunities during your undergraduate years. Research opportunities will be available through the university you’re attending, so make sure to maintain a good relationship and communication with your professors.

One of the best ways to secure a research position is to have a conversation with your professors. They may be looking for a student to help them with an upcoming project, and even if they don’t have any opportunities to offer you, they can easily refer to other staff members who might. 

Try navigating through your university’s website as well; many schools will have a student job board that may host research opportunities. For example, if you were a premed student at the University of Washington , you’d be able to check the Undergraduate Research Program (URP) database in order to filter and find research opportunities.

How Many Hours of Research Do You Need For Medical School? ‍

Since research is not a requirement at most medical schools, there’s no minimum number of hours you should be spending at the lab. Some students report entering medical school with over 2,000 hours of research experience, while others had no more than 400. 

This may seem like a lot but bear in mind that a semester or summer of research involvement sums up to around 500-800 hours. This can be more than enough to show your abilities, commitment, and critical thinking skills.

The hours you should dedicate to research widely depend on your personal circumstances and other aspects of your application. If you have the bandwidth to dedicate more hours to research, you should, but never compromise your grades for it. 

6 Types of Medical Research

There are six main types of research that pre-med students commonly participate in: 

Basic Science Research

Basic science research involves delving into the intricacies of biology in laboratory settings. It's one of the most common pre-med research opportunities and typically entails studying genes, cellular communication, or molecular processes.

Clinical Research

Clinical research is all about working with real patients to learn about health and illness. It's hands-on and great for getting a feel for healthcare. 

Public Health Research

Public health research focuses on analyzing population health trends and developing strategies for disease prevention and health promotion. It's a great area for pre-med students interested in community health, although it is a little harder to get involved in. 

Health Public Policy Research

Health public policy research examines the impact of healthcare regulations and policies on access to care and health outcomes. Although less common among pre-med students, it offers insights into the broader healthcare system, involving analyses of policy effectiveness and healthcare disparities.

Narrative Medicine Research

Narrative medicine research explores the role of storytelling and patient experiences in healthcare delivery. It's a more human side of medicine, focusing on empathy and connection. 

Artificial Intelligence Research

Artificial intelligence research can be difficult for pre-meds to get involved in, but it offers innovative solutions to complex medical problems, such as developing AI algorithms for disease diagnosis and treatment planning.

Tips to Make the Best out of Research Hours 

Now that we've covered the importance of research experience for med school application, we'll go over some tips to help you make the most of your research experience!

Have Noteworthy Research Experience

Having noteworthy research experience is a plus in your application, but it doesn’t end here. The ultimate goal of research is to actually become involved in the most recent projects, discoveries, and questions in your field of study, and prepare you for potential research later in your graduate career.

Use Research as an Opportunity to Gain Skills

Make your best effort to see research experience not only as a way to make your resume and application look better, but also as an opportunity to gain skills and face challenges that will help you become a dedicated professional, and will help you succeed in any your future endeavors. 

Be Clear With Your Goals

Before getting started with your research hours, make sure the research question is perfectly clear to you, and that you’re familiar and interested in what the research is aiming to find or prove. By doing this, you’ll be off to a great start, and your research experience will be valuable from the beginning.

Understand the Project and Be Engaged

Once you’re involved in research, make sure you try your best to perfectly understand every part of it. Shallow and meaningless research experiences won’t get you very far.

During your interview you'll be asked about the research project – regardless of your level of contribution, it’s important for you to be clear, confident, and perfectly articulate to make yourself a competitive candidate.

Take Your Experience Seriously

Also, take your time at the lab very seriously. Try approaching your research contribution as a job; show up in time just like you would show up in time for work, put your best effort in it, and above all, be professional. 

Build Relationships With Your Supervisors

Another tip for maximizing your research experience is to make a connection and form a relationship with the mentor or the professor that will, or is already working with you. By forming strong bonds and relationships, you’ll have the opportunity to ask your mentor for a letter of recommendation.

So, do take every hour spent seriously and work hard to make a good impression. This way, you’ll kill two birds with one stone: you’ll gain research experience while obtaining strong recommendations.

What Kind of Research do Medical Schools Prefer? (Science vs Non-Science)‍

That is a somewhat tricky question. The simple answer is that any research that can show your involvement and commitment and aligns with the theme of your application is beneficial. However, there are a lot of layers to it. 

Probably the most common type of research among applicants –which is also highly valued by medical schools – is science and lab research. If you’re a science major in college, this is probably the way you’d want to go; laboratory-based research. 

With that said, if your major is in the social sciences or humanities, getting involved in research related to your major and your interests is something that medical schools will find attractive.

After all, the majority of schools use a holistic approach to admissions and want their potential candidates to be widely and well-educated individuals.

1. Is Research Experience More Important Than Clinical Experience For Medical School?‍

The short answer to this is no. Even though the majority of applicants have research experience, for many deans of admissions, clinical experience is equally and sometimes even more valuable. The clinical experience involves patient interaction, which is undoubtedly crucial preparation for a life-long career as a physician.

However, getting your first research experience as early as possible in your undergraduate years will help you determine if research is something you’d like to pursue in the future. Plus, it will make it easier for you to secure more research positions in your graduate years, so you should definitely go for it if it's of your interest. 

2. Is Research Experience More Important Than Physician Shadowing?

While both experiences are relevant, research has the added benefit of allowing you to gain hands-on experience. However, don’t forget that doctor shadowing also adds a lot of value to your application, since it serves the purpose of actually seeing what being a physician is, and such experience could determine your interest in moving forward. 

You should also take into account what your medical school of choice expects. For example, for research-focused schools like the Mayo Clinic , research experience will definitely be more important and you should plan on putting most of your energy there. ‍

3. Should I Take A Gap Year Before Medical School To Gain Research Hours?‍

Taking a gap year gives you the opportunity to refine your application and fully focus on what you want to improve. Whether it’s worth it or not depends on your personal and academic circumstances. Remember, it’s not necessarily about how many hours you complete, but the level of contribution you make and your interest in it!

4. Should I Participate In Many, Short-Lived Research Experiences Or In A Few Long Ones?‍

Always choose quality over quantity when it comes to research experience. One long research experience will impress the admissions committee far more than several short ones! More time spent on a project often means greater contributions made, and it demonstrates interest, persistence, and resilience.

5. Should I Look For Research Opportunities Even If My GPA Is A Bit Low?‍

If you’ve gone through a hard time and your GPA is suffering a little bit, definitely focus your energy on that before committing to long hours in the lab. Your GPA and MCAT scores are the non-arguable parts of your application; make sure these are as impeccable as possible, and as soon as there’s an improvement, move on to research.

That doesn’t mean that you should completely forget about the “extras” of your application; as long as you keep a balance between a good GPA, scores, work, and extracurriculars, you’ll be on the right path to creating a competitive application. ‍

6. What Does It Mean To Be Published In Research? Is It Important To Medical Schools?‍

Being published means that your name appears on written documents about research, and it is, indeed, important, but not necessary. We’re not talking about being the first author in a publication, since this is almost impossible for an undergraduate student. 

However, appearing as a co-author on any presentation, publication, or poster will help you build a reputation.

7. What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Research Experience?‍

Ultimately, if you don’t have any research experience and do not have time or do not plan on being part of any research, focus and invest time in your clinical experience as well as volunteering and community service. Also, work on maintaining a good GPA and improving your MCAT score.

Keep in mind, though, that MD-PhD candidates do need to get involved in research before applying, and a big emphasis should be placed on research in these cases. 

8. Does Clinical Research Count Also As Clinical Experience?

Clinical research can count as both clinical experience and research experience in your AMCAS application.

9. Is Research Required For Medical School?

Research experience is not required for most medical schools. However, having research experience will help you stand out and present yourself as a more competitive candidate during the application process.

Final Thoughts‍

Participating in research for medical school can play an important role in the quality of your application. For this reason, knowing how to make your experiences as valuable and rich as possible will play a key role in ensuring the research complements your application and overall profile. 

Research is the perfect way to build a strong skill set that will aid you as a medical student and make you a better physician! 

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By Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science staff

Learn more about Funmi Adeleye, 2024 graduate of Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, as she reflects on her past, her medical education at Mayo Clinic, and her aspirations for the future.

Hometown: Rosemount, MN Undergraduate university: Loyola University, New Orleans Specialty you plan to pursue: Orthopedic Surgery

Funmi Adeleye grew up in Lagos, Nigeria. Her parents were healthcare workers in the community. As many community members could not afford the prohibitive costs of healthcare, her parents would offer care at a reduced price.

She describes her experience growing up, "As a child, I would watch them routinely work long hours to suture wounds, dispense chloroquine for malaria, and provide preventative education. These humble beginnings laid a foundation for my interest in medicine and sparked a desire to restore hope to individuals at their most vulnerable moments."

"Years later, while I earned my MBA with a specialization in healthcare administration at Baylor University," Funmi continues, "I became acutely aware of the disparities in healthcare access and limited resources across different regions. This experience further motivated me to pursue medicine to directly address these inequalities. Combining my upbringing and exposure to healthcare challenges with my insights from business school, I am driven to equip myself with the skills and knowledge needed to better serve patients and contribute to a more equitable medical system."

Driven by her past, passion

As a Black female from Nigeria, Funmi described her motivation as stemming from her deep-rooted passion for uplifting the marginalized — immigrants, racial and ethnic minorities, and underserved populations — out of the systemic barriers that have historically hindered their access to healthcare.

She shares, "I am driven to address the pervasive lack of access to healthcare both here in the U.S. and globally, particularly among those who suffer from treatable conditions that drastically impact their quality of life. My childhood in Nigeria and experiences in the U.S. have deeply influenced my passion for addressing healthcare disparities. My exposure to healthcare inequities drives my mission to advocate for marginalized populations, fueling my passion to make a difference. Having received a solid foundation in my medical training, I am genuinely excited about the opportunity to expand my impact on a larger, more focused scale."

While I do feel a natural sense of apprehension about the future, I am confident in my foundation. Actively seeking out learning opportunities, engaging in research projects, and collaborating with mentors have all contributed to my growth as a future physician. Despite the uncertainties, I firmly believe that the rigorous training and supportive environment at Mayo Clinic, coupled with my passion for orthopedic surgery, have prepared me to make meaningful contributions as a resident.

Funmi Adeleye 2024 graduate, Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine

Funmi Adeleye: Aspiring to Make an Impact on Health Disparities

A future in orthopedic surgery.

Funmi's identity as a track athlete and her firsthand experience with a knee injury drove her decision to specialize in orthopedic surgery.

"Throughout medical school, I have been drawn to the intricate challenges of musculoskeletal disorders and the potential for personalized care to significantly improve patient outcomes," she explains. "What particularly resonates with me about orthopedic surgery is the immediate and meaningful impact it offers in patients' lives — the ability to restore function and mobility, and provide them with the opportunity to live pain-free."

Looking ahead to her future career as an orthopedic surgeon, Funmi is committed to advocating for equitable access to quality care and pioneering innovative solutions to address healthcare disparities.

Reflecting on the journey

As I reflect on my journey to becoming a physician, I am filled with gratitude for the diverse experiences that have shaped my path and dedication to this profession. First and foremost, this journey would not have been possible without God leading my steps. As I move forward into residency and beyond, my commitment to learning and growth remains strong. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to medical advancements through research and innovation, and mentorship is something that holds a special place in my heart as I hope to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals.

I also want to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks to those who have supported me along the way. Without the belief and encouragement of my husband, parents, siblings, friends, faculty, and mentors, I wouldn't be where I am today. Their support, even during moments of doubt, has been invaluable in shaping the physician I have become. I am deeply grateful for their guidance and look forward to honoring their belief in me by continuing to strive for excellence in my medical career.

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Medical residents are starting to avoid states with abortion bans, data shows

Julie Rovner

Rachana Pradhan

The Match Day ceremony at the University of California, Irvine, on March 15. Match Day is the day when medical students seeking residency and fellowship training positions find out their options. Increasingly, medical students are choosing to go to states that don't restrict abortion. Jeff Gritchen/MediaNews Group via Getty Images hide caption

The Match Day ceremony at the University of California, Irvine, on March 15. Match Day is the day when medical students seeking residency and fellowship training positions find out their options. Increasingly, medical students are choosing to go to states that don't restrict abortion.

Isabella Rosario Blum was wrapping up medical school and considering residency programs to become a family practice physician when she got some frank advice: If she wanted to be trained to provide abortions, she shouldn't stay in Arizona.

Blum turned to programs mostly in states where abortion access — and, by extension, abortion training — is likely to remain protected, like California, Colorado and New Mexico. Arizona has enacted a law banning most abortions after 15 weeks.

"I would really like to have all the training possible," she said, "so of course that would have still been a limitation."

In June, she will start her residency at Swedish Cherry Hill hospital in Seattle.

According to new statistics from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), for the second year in a row, students graduating from U.S. medical schools this year were less likely to apply for residency positions in states with abortion bans and other significant abortion restrictions.

Since the Supreme Court in 2022 overturned the constitutional right to an abortion, state fights over abortion access have created plenty of uncertainty for pregnant patients and their doctors. But that uncertainty has also bled into the world of medical education, forcing some new doctors to factor state abortion laws into their decisions about where to begin their careers.

Shots - Health News

How florida and arizona supreme court rulings change the abortion access map.

Fourteen states, primarily in the Midwest and South, have banned nearly all abortions. The new analysis by the AAMC — exclusively reviewed by KFF Health News before its public release — found that the number of applicants to residency programs in states with near-total abortion bans declined by 4.2% between 2024 and 2023, compared with a 0.6% drop in states where abortion remains legal.

Notably, the AAMC's findings illuminate the broader problems that abortion bans can create for a state's medical community, particularly in an era of provider shortages: The organization tracked a larger decrease in interest in residencies in states with abortion restrictions not only among those in specialties most likely to treat pregnant patients, like OB-GYNs and emergency room doctors, but also among aspiring doctors in other specialties.

"It should be concerning for states with severe restrictions on reproductive rights that so many new physicians — across specialties — are choosing to apply to other states for training instead," wrote Atul Grover, executive director of the AAMC's Research and Action Institute.

The AAMC analysis found that the number of applicants to OB-GYN residency programs in abortion-ban states dropped by 6.7%, compared with a 0.4% increase in states where abortion remains legal. For internal medicine, the drop observed in abortion-ban states was over five times as much as in states where abortion is legal.

'Geographic misalignment'

In its analysis, the AAMC said that an ongoing decline in interest in abortion-ban states among new doctors ultimately "may negatively affect access to care in those states."

Dr. Jack Resneck Jr., immediate past president of the American Medical Association, said the data demonstrates yet another consequence of the post- Roe v. Wade era.

The AAMC analysis notes that even in states with abortion bans, residency programs are filling their positions — mostly because there are more graduating medical students in the U.S. and abroad than there are residency slots.

Still, Resneck said, "we're extraordinarily worried." For example, physicians without adequate abortion training may not be able to manage miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies or potential complications, such as infection or hemorrhaging, that could stem from pregnancy loss.

Those who work with students and residents say their observations support the AAMC's findings. "People don't want to go to a place where evidence-based practice and human rights in general are curtailed," said Beverly Gray, an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Duke University School of Medicine.

Abortion in North Carolina is banned in nearly all cases after 12 weeks. Women who experience unexpected complications or discover their baby has potentially fatal birth anomalies later in pregnancy may not be able to receive care there.

Gray said she worries that even though Duke is a highly sought training destination for medical residents, the abortion ban "impacts whether we have the best and brightest coming to North Carolina."

Rohini Kousalya Siva will start her obstetrics and gynecology residency at MedStar Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C., this year. She said she did not consider programs in states that have banned or severely restricted abortion, applying instead to programs in Maryland, New Hampshire, New York and Washington, D.C.

"We're physicians," said Kousalya Siva, who attended medical school in Virginia and was previously president of the American Medical Student Association. "We're supposed to be giving the best evidence-based care to our patients, and we can't do that if we haven't been given abortion training."

Another consideration: Most graduating medical students are in their 20s, "the age when people are starting to think about putting down roots and starting families," said Gray, who added that she is noticing many more students ask about politics during their residency interviews.

And because most young doctors make their careers in the state where they do their residencies, "people don't feel safe potentially having their own pregnancies [while] living in those states" with severe restrictions, said Debra Stulberg, chair of the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Chicago.

Stulberg and others worry that this self-selection away from states with abortion restrictions will exacerbate the shortages of physicians in rural and underserved areas.

"The geographic misalignment between where the needs are and where people are choosing to go is really problematic," she said. "We don't need people further concentrating in urban areas where there's already good access."

From Tennessee to California

After attending medical school in Tennessee, which has adopted one of the most sweeping abortion bans in the U.S., Hannah Light-Olson will start her OB-GYN residency at the University of California San Francisco this summer.

It was not an easy decision, she said. "I feel some guilt and sadness leaving a situation where I feel like I could be of some help," she said. "I feel deeply indebted to the program that trained me and to the patients of Tennessee."

Light-Olson said some of her fellow students applied to programs in abortion-ban states "because they think we need pro-choice providers in restrictive states now more than ever." In fact, she said, she also applied to programs in abortion-ban states when she was confident the program had a way to provide abortion training.

"I felt like there was no perfect 100% guarantee. We've seen how fast things can change," she said. "I don't feel particularly confident that California and New York aren't going to be under threat too."

As a condition of a scholarship she received for medical school, Blum said, she will have to return to Arizona to practice, and it is unclear what abortion access will look like then. But she is worried about long-term impacts.

"Residents, if they can't get the training in the state, then they're probably less likely to settle down and work in the state as well," she said.

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF — the independent source for health policy research, polling and journalism.

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• abortion bans
• medical provider shortage

Trainees gain experience, garner awards at 2024 Research Symposia

Seventy-four trainee researchers shared findings from their most promising scientific and clinical investigations at SIU School of Medicine’s 34th Annual Trainee Research Symposium April 16 and 19, 2024. The two-day symposium offered trainees from across the SOM system an opportunity to gain experience in making formal presentations of their research and clinical discoveries. Faculty mentors provided assistance for the projects. Presenting trainees included 18 graduate students, 42 medical students, and 14 residents and fellows. “The symposia illustrate the innovation and dedication of our graduate students, medical students, residents, fellows and our faculty at the School of Medicine,” said Don Torry, PhD, professor and associate dean for research. “Two full days of presentations reflect the amazing breadth and depth of scholarly pursuits being done in Springfield and Carbondale.” The trainees’ advances challenge current thinking about disease understanding, detection, treatment and prevention. “It highlights our commitment to “Championing Medicine through Research,” Torry said.  The mission of SIU School of Medicine is to optimize the health and health care for the people of central and southern Illinois. The prizewinning studies were:

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What admission officers wish premeds knew before applying

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What exactly do medical schools look for in applications? We asked three admission officers what they want applicants to know before applying to medical school.

It’s common to wonder what medical schools are looking for in an application and how you can make sure you’re prepared when you apply and interview. To help answer these questions, we asked three admission officers what they want applicants to know before applying so they can be successful. Their answers include being able to tell your story, having clinical experience, and making sure your goals are aligned with the school’s mission statement. Here’s what they shared.

“At the core of any patient encounter, there is a story. As physicians, we are primed to listen to stories, so a good story is key when a physician reads a medical school application or evaluates answers during the interview. Most medical school applicants have enough volunteer, work, shadowing, and research experiences to fill every space in their AMCAS application and prompt in their secondary applications. However, while many are very good at accumulating experiences, they are sometimes not so good at putting these experiences in context or effectively communicating them to interviewers and application reviewers. The applicant should be able to put all his or her experiences in the context of why they want to be a physician and describe their journey. Novelists, English professors, and screen writers call this this the ‘arc of the story.’ For example, the arc could be that a topic in class led to a research opportunity that led to a showing experience that then led to working with a group that is involved in that issue. This is different than the applicant that has a dozen unrelated experiences and is unable to connect them. In short, the applicant should be able to tell a good story that makes sense and engages the interviewer or reviewer rather than give a checklist of research, shadowing, and volunteering. Most applicants will not have a perfect story where everything falls into place, but that is OK. The most interesting stories have lots of twist and turns.”

-David D. Grier, MD , Associate Dean for Student Admissions, Wake Forest School of Medicine

“The professional opportunities for physicians are quite wide, and include options in research, administration, and industry. However, if you are considering applying to medical school, you should know that the curriculum prepares you to be a competent clinician. With that in mind, schools want you to bring some experience in the world of patient care. Your ability to speak first-hand of the impact of clinical volunteer work on your future career plans is a compelling aspect of the selection and admissions process. I feel that it makes sense to postpone applications until you have accumulated at least one year of clinical experiences.”

- Jorge A. Girotti, PhD, MHA, Associate Dean for Admissions and Special Curricular Programs,  University of Illinois College of Medicine

“It is very important for medical school applicants to do their research before applying. Exploring a medical school’s mission statement is a great way to determine if your goals are in alignment. If a medical school’s mission is to serve disadvantaged populations, your application should show similar evidence of your interests. Your application should highlight the goals of the school and how your experiences will contribute to the overall mission.

By reviewing your application, an admissions committee should be able to identify your motivation for medicine as well as your motivation for applying to their medical school. One of the best ways an applicant can demonstrate fit is how you respond to secondary application questions. These critical mini-essays typically ask applicants how they identify with a school’s mission and how much an applicant understands the field of medicine. For example, a secondary question may ask what about your experience with caring for others. You can demonstrate caring in multiple ways: caring for a loved one, shadowing, working in hospice, or other experiences that allowed you to observe patient care whether it is formal or informal.

Another way to understand fit is to understand a medical school’s admissions criteria. If a medical school suggests applicants should have research experience, then applicants should show substantial evidence of working in a lab or research publications. Each medical school has their own unique admissions requirements that are tailored to their specific missions. Applicants should be diligent about examining this information before submitting an application.”

-Tanisha Price-Johnson, Executive Director, Admissions, University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson

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Niki Katsara Antonakea

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Research & Publications

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Niki Katsara is an MD candidate at Charité Medical University in Berlin, Germany. She was born and raised in Athens, Greece, where she graduated from the German School of Athens (DSA). Currently, she serves as a Postgraduate Research Fellow at the esteemed Yale Interventional Oncology Lab, where she aims to improve the detection, characterization, and treatment of neoplastic disease in the liver using machine learning to combine imaging and clinical parameters to create powerful predictive algorithms and upgrade the imaging quality during minimal-invasive treatments. Her main medical interests include Gynaecology/Oncology and Interventional Radiology/Oncology. Driven by a profound fascination for cancers and women's health, she actively seeks opportunities for collaboration, research engagement, and clinical electives.

Beyond her academic pursuits, Niki Katsara is deeply committed to combining her future clinical work with global health and advocacy for patients' needs. With experiences spanning medical programs in Tanzania (ROAD2IR) and Japan, coupled with her European background and active involvement in pan-Arabian initiatives (PARSGO) and Canadian-based organizations (HPV Global Action), she seeks a deeper understanding of diverse healthcare systems. She upholds the ethos of inclusive healthcare delivery, firmly believing in the provision of medicine without barriers, irrespective of socio-economic, cultural, or geographical backgrounds. She is deeply committed to ensuring equitable access to medical care for all individuals in the future, embodying a steadfast dedication to addressing healthcare disparities and fostering a healthcare landscape that is universally accessible and compassionate.

Joining the Yale School of Medicine community represents the realization of a long-standing dream. Her ultimate goal is to harness the extensive resources offered by the Yale School of Medicine to further her journey as an excellent physician-scientist. Together, she envisions a collaborative effort to combat cancers and enhance the quality of life for patients worldwide.

Education & Training

• MD Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany (2026)
• Researcher HPV Global Action / VPH Action Globale (2026)
• Researcher Pan-Arabian Research Society for Gynecologic Oncology PARSGO (2026)
• Clinical Elective Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine (2023)
• Clinical Elective Center for Endometriosis of the Gynecology Department of Charité Virchow Klinikum (2021)
• Clinical/ Global Health Elective Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) (2021)
• Oral Presentation on Online Multidisciplinary tumor boards in low-and-middle-income-countries to achieve health equity: a PARSGO initiative. Amsterdam, NH, Netherlands 2022 30th World Congress on Controversies in Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Infertility (COGI)

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Departments & organizations.

• Yale Interventional Oncology Research Lab