Research Resources

Before writing research protocol, you will need to conduct a literature review to identify any existing knowledge related to your study topic.

The literature review gives you a chance to:

• Demonstrate your familiarity with the topic and scholarly context
• Develop a theoretical framework and/or appropriate methodology for your research
• Position yourself in relation to other researchers and theorists
• Show how your research addresses a gap

Follow these steps when writing a literature review:

Find relevant publications (such as books and journal articles).

Start by creating a list of keywords related to your research question. Include each of the key concepts or variables you’re interested in, and list any synonyms and related terms.

Critically analyze those publications.

• Evaluate sources: Make sure the sources you use are credible and peer-reviewed. As a rule, any source older than 3 years should not be considered when developing your question.
• Identify themes, debates and gaps: What is missing from the literature? Are there weaknesses that need to be addressed?
• Outline the structure: The simplest approach is to trace the development of the topic over time. You may need to compare the results and conclusions that emerge from different approaches.

Explain your conclusions.

Review the steps involved in the process, including consent forms and initial submissions.

The first step for any student interested in traveling to or attending a conference to present research findings, whether in-person or virtual, is to complete the Intent to Travel/ Intent to Publish Form and submit to EVMSResearch@EVMS.edu. We'll connect you with the most applicable travel award option(s) and application requirements.

Please note that travel award funds are available on a first-come-first served basis until depleted. 

Below are the various awards available to students:

1. Community Faculty Designated Student/Resident Research Travel Award

The Community Faculty Designated Student/Resident Research Travel Award seeks to recognize and promote scholarly activity by trainees in the medical student and health professions classes and residency programs. The travel award was founded and originated from a generous gift by our affiliated community physicians. Generally this award is up to $1000 and all applications must intend to submit a manuscript for publication within the 3 months of the award.

For additional information, please see the award guidelines.

2. Student Affairs Travel Grant

Provided through the Office of Student Affairs for any students looking to travel to academic conferences or for other research-based activities. This award is only available to students who have submitted the Intent to Travel Form before they travel and is limited to one award per student each academic year.

3. Community Outreach Grant

Community Outreach are any activities conducted outside a traditional, institutional, or framed population which provide direct services, referrals, programs, or education. Community Outreach Mini Grants are available to all medical students with a maximum award of $600. Community Outreach Applications must be submitted 30 days prior to an activity/event. After committee review, applicants are notified whether they've been approved or denied one week after submission.

All questions about the Community Outreach Grant should be directed toward Community-Engaged Learning at communityengagedlearning@evms.edu.

4. SEES Travel Award

The Graduate Student Research Travel Award was established to support graduate students’ travel to local, regional, national and international conferences sponsored by professional organizations for the purpose of presenting the results of their research, conducting research, exhibiting or performing creative works, competing or attending in order to enhance their research efforts. Travel related only to networking, job search, cocurricular activities, internships, courses, leadership, study abroad, presenting someone's research other than applicant's research, etc., is excluded. All questions should be directed to Debbie Woodell at seestravel@odu.edu

• • Application Form and Guidelines

5. Dr. Christopher J. Hogan, MD Orthopedic Award

Opportunity for MD students with a dedicated interest in pursuing a career in orthopedics. This award aims to support students in their orthopedic journey by covering or supplementing expenses that will enhance their career development in this field. Funding from this award can be utilized for any research-related expenses; including, but not limited to, conference fees and travel, manuscript submissions, research projects, books, away rotations, travel for interviews and educational modules. Interested students must submit a one(1)-page personal statement addressing: What is driving you to pursue Orthopedics as a specialty? Applications must be submitted to msr@evms.edu no later than November 28, 2024 by 11:59 PM. Awards will be announced in early-January 2025.