Integrated Health Sciences and Research Program

Program Elements and Timeline

The IHSR program is a 3-year journey that spans 5 to 6 semesters. Here's a sample timeline of how the experience unfolds:

1. Application and Admitted Student Welcome Event at FBRI – the IHSR application closes in January each year. Later that Spring, admitted students are invited to FBRI for a tour and welcome celebration.
2. Intro Course and Lab Match: in the Fall, new students will enroll in a 1-credit Intro to Biomedical Research course. During this time, students will embark on a match process to explore the various laboratories at FBRI and interview to join one.
3. Begin Lab Work: Once students join a lab, they begin working at FBRI for a minimum of 10 hours per week, typically spread over 2-3 days. As they continue over future semesters, students can expand the time spent in the lab to deepen their experience and progress with their research projects.
4. Core IHSR Coursework: IHSR students are expected to enroll in three 1-credit courses over their 3-year journey:

• - Intro to Biomedical Research: an introduction and overview of the IHSR program; the various types of labs and scope of research taking place at FBRI; program expectations.
• - Journal Club – Interpreting Scientific Research: students read various scientific papers and in turn, present the data and findings with other members of the course.
• - Senior Seminar – Presenting Scientific Research: students learn the key elements of creating an impactful poster based on their own research and practice effective communication        and presentation methods for a wider audience. Presentations are peer-reviewed and discussed.

5. Scientific Research Presentation: By the end of the IHSR program, students are expected to present their work at least once via a research symposium, conference, or lab meeting. Opportunities will be communicated throughout the program.

6. Additional Opportunities:

• - Career Development Course: designed to help students plan their post-college future, whether they aim to enter the workforce or apply to graduate, medical, or other professional schools.
• - Clinical Shadowing: IHSR offers a 10-week clinical shadowing field experience through Carilion Clinic
• - Elective Coursework: varying elective courses are offered each year and conducted in collaboration with clinical colleagues from Carilion. Courses provide students with additional opportunities to network with professionals in careers of interest.