Research Certificate of Distinction (COD)
The Certificate of Distinction in Research is an extracurricular, optional, four-year longitudinal program that offers medical students structured opportunities to develop skills in clinical and translational research. The program combines foundational training, mentorship, and ongoing scholarly activities to help students learn how to design, conduct, and share original research. Through a mix of seminars, workshops, and required educational modules, students explore research ethics, study design, biostatistics, epidemiology, and scientific communication. Working with faculty mentors, students complete a scholarly project that progresses throughout the curriculum and culminates in dissemination through presentations and manuscript submissions.
About
The program recognizes research as an integral part of medical education for students who pursue it. Students build on their interests and experiences over four years, progressing from early exploration and mentorship to developing, communicating, and leading scholarly work. The curriculum provides a clear progression of expectations and opportunities at each stage, supporting students as they grow as researchers and future physician-scholars.
Curriculum Overview
Program Highlights
- Four years of structured mentorship and scholarly development
- Training in research ethics, study design, data analysis, and scientific communication
- Opportunities to present and publish scholarly work
- Development of research leadership and professional skills
- Recognition of excellence and commitment to research
Program Information
Expectations and Deliverables (Overview)
Requirements for Admission
Student Portal (Research Section)
Student resources for both the Scholarly Project and Research Certificate of Distinction.
- New Student Research Factsheet
- Medical Student Research Funding
- Scholarly Project Information for the Classes of 2026, 2027 and 2028
- Research Topic Presentations - Clinical Research / Study Types / Templates
- Research Support Links - IRB / CITI / Stats / Arizona Health Sciences Library at the Phoenix Biomedical Campus, Phoenix Children's Hospital and Banner Health Credentialing
- Research Publications: Posters / Conference / Open Access
- Mentor and Research Project Lists
- Information for Mentors
- Research Databases - including HCUP
To view these resources, please login with your NetID and password
Research Training
Instructions for onboarding at Banner University Medical Center - Phoenix / University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix
Phoenix Med Connect
Phoenix Med Connect is the College of Medicine – Phoenix’s alumni engagement and career mentorship platform, connecting current medical students with College of Medicine – Phoenix alumni and their professional network.
Students and alumni are encouraged to use the platform to network with fellow graduates, maintain relationships, and explore career paths. They can contribute by mentoring, making introductions, or assisting graduating students. The platform strengthens professional networks by connecting members with people and opportunities across the medical community.
Research Certificate of Distinction students and alumni: After being admitted to Phoenix Med Connect, contact the Research COD Coordinator to request access to the group page. This is an additional way for current and former participants to connect over research interests, experiences, and professional opportunities.
Resources for all University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix Certificates of Distinction