Advancing Pediatric Research Excellence

Medical Student Pathway

Pediatric Research Program (PRP)

A joint initiative of UNT Health Fort Worth's Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (TCOM) and Cook Children's Health Care System. The PRP is a mentored research experience for 1st-year TCOM medical students — introducing them to the research environment and developing foundational skills in clinical, community, translational, and epidemiological research.

Program Overview

At a glance — what the PRP is and who it's for.

Program

Location

Cook Children's Medical Center, Fort Worth, TX / UNT Health Fort Worth

Eligibility

1st-year UNT Health TCOM medical students in good academic standing

Commitment

Part-time; schedule determined by mentor and project type

Duration

June orientation through fall semester presentations (September – December)

Work Style

Mixed — Canvas modules online; mentor interactions on-site and/or virtual

Program Goals

What the PRP is designed to accomplish for participating students.

Enhance research awareness and knowledge among 1st-year TCOM medical students.

Provide a mentored experience with faculty from TCOM and Cook Children's.

Build foundational skills in data collection, analysis, and scientific communication.

Introduce students to pediatric research as a clinical and academic career pathway.

Develop skills in presenting and publishing clinical and research findings.

Research Project Types

Each PRP student is matched with a mentor and assigned to one of four research tracks.

Clinical Research

Case reports, case series, or clinical studies involving patient data under faculty mentor guidance.

Community Research

Studies focused on population health, community-level outcomes, or social determinants of health.

Translational Research

Projects bridging basic science findings to clinical application or pediatric patient outcomes.

Epidemiology / Population Data

Analysis of large datasets, registries, or epidemiological trends in pediatric health.

Program Timeline

The PRP runs on a structured annual cycle from January applications through fall presentations.

Applications Open

January

PRP applications accepted and posted to UNT Health website.

Interviews

February

PRP team conducts interviews with applicants.

Mentor Matching

April – May

PRP team finalizes mentor commitments; students notified of assignments.

Orientation

June

All PRP students attend a mandatory orientation session.

Didactic Modules

June – July

Students complete online research training modules on Canvas; mentor interactions begin.

Fall Presentations

September – December

Students present a 15-minute PowerPoint summary of their case, topic, or project to mentors, CSAs, and peers.

Certificates & Micro-credentials

Upon Completion

Students receive a Participation Certificate and Micro-credential after completing all requirements.

Canvas Learning Modules

Didactic training takes place on Canvas (June – July). All modules must be completed before engaging in active project work with your mentor.

Research Foundations

Study Design Basics

Data Collection & Analysis

Scientific Writing & Presentation

Fall Presentation

Each PRP student delivers a 15-minute PowerPoint presentation (including Q&A) to mentors, CSAs, and PRP peers during the fall semester. The presentation summarizes your assigned case, research topic, or project findings.

Format

15 minutes total (presentation + Q&A)

Audience

Mentors, CSAs, and PRP peers

Opportunity

Top presentations may be selected for local, regional, or national platforms

What You Earn

Students who complete all program requirements receive meaningful recognition and professional development.

Pediatric Research Student Scholar Status

Recognized Micro-credential for your academic portfolio

Hands-on exposure to pediatric clinical, community, and translational research

Practice preparing and delivering scientific presentations to faculty audiences

Potential co-authorship on abstracts, case reports, or research articles

Eligibility for local, regional, or national conference presentation

Ongoing relationship with a TCOM / Cook Children's faculty mentor

Student Responsibilities

Participation in the PRP is a professional commitment alongside your first year of medical school.

Attend the June orientation session (mandatory).

Complete all assigned Canvas didactic modules (June – July).

Interact regularly with your mentor and respond to communications within 48 hours.

Work with your mentor to select a topic or project if applicable.

Attend scheduled meetings and incorporate mentor feedback.

Prepare and present a PowerPoint summary during the fall semester presentation cycle.

Complete both program surveys — Week 2 pulse check and program completion.

Academic Standing: Participation is contingent on remaining in good academic standing at TCOM. Students experiencing academic difficulty should notify the PRP team promptly — the team will work with you and your mentor to adjust expectations as needed.