Akron Children’s Hospital announces 2018 summer research scholars

05-09-2018 ( Ohio )

Twelve students were competitively selected to participate in Akron Children’s Hospital’s Summer Pediatric Research Scholars (SPRS) program this summer. This year marks the 12^th anniversary of the SPRS program at Akron Children’s.

The students – college sophomores or juniors contemplating careers in healthcare – will conduct research projects and be mentored by physicians, surgeons, nurses, therapists and other experienced hospital investigators. These mentors define research projects that can focus on enhancing patient safety or quality of care; evaluating effectiveness of new treatments, technologies, or methods; or improving the healthcare experience for patients and families.

“The SPRS program offers highly motivated undergraduate students hands-on experience conducting a clinical research study under the tutelage of Akron Children’s most experienced investigators,” says chief research officer Michael Kelly, MD, PhD. “At the same time, these students are helping hospital researchers answer significant questions to improve our overall patient care.”

SPRS students also attend weekly educational classes on biomedical research and shadow Akron Children’s clinicians in several pediatric medical disciplines. The 10-week program begins in June and culminates in August when the students present their research study results to members of Akron Children’s medical staff, researchers, academic partners, family members and peers.

Akron Children’s 2018 Summer Pediatric Research Scholars are:

Sponsored by the Rebecca D. Considine Research Institute, Akron Children’s SPRS program began in 2006. To date, nearly 150 students have completed the program and several student investigations have been presented at national professional conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals. Additional information about the SPRS program, including criteria, eligibility and important program dates can be found at www.akronchildrens.org/sprs.