Research
Advancing Discovery, Improving Health, and Transforming Medical Education
Research and scholarly activity are fundamental to IllinoisCOM’s mission of educating the next generation of osteopathic physicians. Our strategic plan fosters a culture of scientific inquiry that advances medical knowledge while embracing the interconnected nature of physical and mental health.
A Culture of Evidence-Based Scientific Inquiry
We foster an environment where scientific inquiry and evidence-based practice form the foundation of osteopathic medicine. Through collaborative research initiatives, scholarly pursuits, and critical analysis of medical literature, our community actively contributes to advancing healthcare knowledge and practice.
Addressing Health Disparities
In collaboration with the CEPH-accredited Master of Public Health program, IllinoisCOM students will conduct research designed to address health disparities in vulnerable and underserved communities. These initiatives examine social determinants of health and develop interventions that promote health equity.
Connecting Mind and Body Medicine
Access to IllinoisCOM’s integrated research lab provides students with a space where they can investigate the relationships between physiological systems and psychological well-being. Exploring how mind-body connections influence health aligns with the holistic principles of osteopathic medicine and furthers our institutional goal of closing gaps in medicine through integrated care.
Dedicated Research Facilities and Infrastructure
Our commitment to scientific excellence is supported by dedicated research facilities, statistical consultation services, and administrative support for grant applications. This infrastructure enables faculty and students to pursue innovative research questions that can advance medical knowledge and improve patient care.
Supporting Faculty Research Development
IllinoisCOM invests in our faculty’s research capabilities through mentorship programs, protected research time, and professional development opportunities. This support for faculty researchers creates an environment where scholarly excellence thrives and informs our educational mission.
Strategic Plan
Cultivating a Culture of Discovery
IllinoisCOM is committed to creating an environment where students and faculty actively engage in meaningful research and scholarly activities. We strive to:
- Support innovative basic, translational, clinical, and medical education research
- Advance evidence-based approaches to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment
- Promote interdisciplinary collaboration across The Chicago School
- Expand the evidence base for osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) and osteopathic principles and practice (OPP)
- Recruit and support faculty whose scholarly interests align with the college’s mission
Building a Strong Research Infrastructure
A successful research enterprise requires robust institutional support. IllinoisCOM is committed to developing and maintaining the resources necessary for sustained scholarly success by:
- Expanding research infrastructure and institutional support
- Developing the IllinoisCOM Center for Research
- Strengthening research administration through the Office of Sponsored Programs and Institutional Review Board
- Establishing collaborative partnerships with regional academic, clinical, and research institutions
- Increasing opportunities for external funding and sponsored research
Preparing Physician-Scientists and Evidence-Based Clinicians
Research is integrated throughout the IllinoisCOM educational experience to prepare graduates who practice evidence-based medicine and contribute to future medical advancements. Our priorities include:
- Incorporating research methodology and critical appraisal throughout the curriculum
- Requiring every student to complete a scholarly project
- Providing research training and faculty development opportunities
- Supporting areas of strategic emphasis (OMM/OPP, neurological disorders, mental health, and other emerging areas that improve patient care)
Measuring Success
IllinoisCOM continuously evaluates the effectiveness of its research enterprise through measurable outcomes, including:
- Peer-reviewed publications
- Scientific presentations and conference participation
- Grant submissions and external funding
- Patents, awards, and scholarly recognition
- Student and faculty participation in research
- Interprofessional and collaborative research projects
- Faculty recruitment and development
- Integration of research throughout the curriculum
- Growth of research partnerships and infrastructure