53rd Annual Medical Student Research Day set for July 24
Posted on July 15, 2026 by Marketing and Communications
The Whiddon College of Medicine will showcase the results of students' summer research projects at the 53rd Annual Medical Student Research Day on Friday, July 24.
The event marks the culmination of the 53rd Annual Medical Student Summer Research Program, during which 69 students — 58 rising M2s and 11 incoming M1s — spent the summer conducting research alongside their faculty mentors. Through the eight-week program, students gain an appreciation for how research advances medical knowledge and informs the practice of medicine.
Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to attend and support our student researchers throughout the day.
Research Day Schedule
Oral Presentations
8:30 – 11 a.m.
MSB, first-floor auditorium
Medical students will present their summer research projects representing departments
across the Whiddon College of Medicine and USA Health.
Keynote Lecture
11 a.m. – noon
MSB, first-floor auditorium
Julie A. Bastarache, M.D., Professor of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and
Critical Care Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
"A Series of (Un)fortunate Events: My Journey from Fellow to Tenure"
Poster Presentations
12:30 – 2 p.m.
MSB, second-floor hallway
Medical students will present more than 70 research posters during two poster sessions
showcasing a wide range of basic, clinical and translational research.
Winners of the Clyde G. “Sid” Huggins Medical Student Research Awards will be announced after the event. The awards honor the memory of the first dean of students at the College of Medicine. Winners receive a plaque and a cash award.