AMA Research Challenge

Exclusive opportunity for AMA members. The call for abstracts is now open for the 2026 AMA Research Challenge! The submission deadline is July 16, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Central.

2026 AMA Research Challenge
Ayush Kumar and Bruce A. Scott, MD
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5 Min Read

MD-PhD student’s breast cancer research wins $10,000 prize

Ayush Kumar won the 2024 AMA Research Challenge for his scientifically sophisticated research on triple-negative breast cancer therapy.

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Research
Succeeding in Medical School
A scientist using a pipette with a microtiter plate and a petri dish
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4 Min Read

AMA Research Challenge finalists help shape future of health care

The five finalists in the AMA Research Challenge each display the innovative and groundbreaking thinking that advances medical science. 

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Leadership
Leadership Viewpoints
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12 Min Read

Why do research in medical school? Research topics for med students and requirements for residents [Podcast]

The AMA Update covers a range of health care topics affecting the lives of physicians and patients. Learn more about research in medical education and residency.

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Research
AMA Update Podcast
AMA Update for Feb. 17, 2025: Why do research in medical school? Research topics for med students and requirements for residents
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12 Min Read

Why do research in medical school? Research topics for med students and requirements for residents

The AMA Update covers a range of health care topics affecting the lives of physicians and patients. Learn more about research in medical education and residency.

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Research
AMA Update
1st place ribbon
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4 Min Read

5 hopefuls, a $10,000 prize—inside the AMA Research Challenge finals

Four medical students and one physician fellow will present posters in bid to win the largest national, multispecialty research competition for trainees.

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Research
Succeeding in Medical School
UPDATED
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47 Min Read

2023 AMA Research Challenge finals

Jesse Kirkpatrick, a third-year medical student from Harvard School of Medicine, beat out four other finalists to win the 2023 AMA Research Challenge and $10,000.

Research
Three people holding "perfect 10" signs
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5 Min Read

4 things judges look for in medical poster presentations

Participants in the AMA Research Challenge may wonder what judges look for in presentations. Learn what it takes to bring home the big prize. 

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Research
Succeeding in Medical School
Person holding a trophy on a stack of books
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5 Min Read

Winning formula: Why judges pick top medical research projects

Why have past AMA Research Challenge winners stood out? Learn what judges have said and how this year’s entrants can build on that feedback.

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Research
Succeeding in Medical School
Close-up of a hand pointing to a poster presentation.
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3 Min Read

What you need to know to ace a poster abstract

One expert in the field of medical research gives students and residents pointers on the keys to creating an abstract that will gain attention.

series
Research
Succeeding in Medical School