Seed Grant Research Program
Shane Sergent, Michigan State University
College of Osteopathic Medicine
Project Title: Assessing cardiovascular and pulmonary disease markers in the risk of double burden populations
An increasing number of young physician scientists are experiencing difficulty finding the resources and support to do research. Consequently, fewer physicians are choosing careers in research which is a terrible loss to medicine.
To address this trend, the AMA Foundation established the Seed Grant Research Program in 2000 to encourage medical students, physician residents and fellows to enter the research field. The program provides $2,500 grants to help them conduct small basic science, applied, or clinical research projects. These funds will round out new project budgets, rather than sustain current initiatives.
The application period for the 2013 Seed Grant cycle is now closed.
Read about this year's Seed Grant recipients.
Seed grant funds cannot be used for salary or stipend, indirect/administrative costs, to hire a consultant or contractor, and solely for travel expenses. Seed grants will not be awarded to any applicant who has previously received an AMA Foundation seed grant in the research category in which they are applying. Applicants must be a medical student, physician resident or fellow of an accredited US medical school or institution; they must also be either a US citizen or a permanent resident of the US. Projects must be applicant-conceived, rather than ongoing research of their mentor or Principal Investigator. This program is open to both AMA and non-AMA members. Membership with the AMA does not factor into the grant selection process.
Upon completion of their projects, all grant recipients must submit a Final Report Form. Forms should be sent to the AMA Foundation office via mail, e-mail or fax.
Program Impact
Beyond the actual grant dollars, this program also facilitates positive and rewarding experiences with research, and helps build crucial grant-writing and professional development skills for the future. A follow-up survey of past recipients found that after having received their seed grant, they:
- Were inspired and encouraged to continue doing research (96%)
- Felt more prepared and confident in applying for other grants (83%)
- Saved their research mentor money which s/he would have had to spend to help them do their projects (69%)
- Presented their research at a poster session or got invited to speak at a scientific meeting (64%)
- Felt like they gained "reputational capital" because of the AMA Foundation name [opened doors for them, led to additional awards, honors, opportunities, etc.] (62%)
- Secured grants from other funders (44%)
- Got their research published in a scientific journal (36%)
Read stories about recipients and their research:
Recipient Quotes
"I am very grateful to the AMA Foundation for providing this research opportunity which has reinforced my love for research and helped prepare me for a career in academic medicine."
—Joshua Smith
2009 recipient
"Overall, this grant gave me an opportunity to enhance my independence in project construction and completion, which ultimately helped me to grow as a scientist."
—Kellie Rosinski
2008 recipient
"Although this grant may seem and is intended to be a small contribution, the $2,500 was actually a very much needed aid to our research efforts...it has made a significant impact on my research and potentially my career."
—Tad Kim, MD
2009 recipient
If you have questions about the Seed Grant Research Program, please e-mail or call (312) 464-4200.
"Giving to the AMA Foundation's Future of Medicine Fund allows one to give back to those that need. The Fund may be used to…help a young physician investigator with a seed grant to start his research career. The future of our entire profession benefits."
—Howard Chodash, MD, Springfield, Ill.
Associate Professor of Medicine
Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
Physician researchers not only gain a deeper understanding of medicine and disease mechanisms, but many go on to become faculty at medical schools and research institutes. By donating to the Seed Grant Research Program, you will be helping physicians and physicians-in-training make important scientific discoveries and advances in health care.
