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Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
Heritage Hall, Athens, OH 45701
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Elective Research Rotations

Heritage College students may complete elective research rotations as part of their medical education. These are typically taken in the fourth year, but students with an active project and mentor support may apply for the spring semester of the third year. Third-year rotations are limited to Original Research (OCOM 8944) with permission.

Available electives include:

  • Critical Literature Review (OCOM 8942)
  • Case-Based Study (OCOM 8943)
  • Original Research (OCOM 8944)

Students should:

Class of 2026 Year 3 & 4 Syllabi Class of 2027 Year 3 & 4 Syllabi

Class of 2026 Research Rotation GuideClass of 2027 Research Rotation Guide

Elective Research Rotation Checklist (opens in a new window)

OCOM 8942 - Critical Literature Review

This three-week course aims to develop students' research skills through a critical literature review 
review under a credentialed mentor's supervision. Students will explore clinical topics from 
various perspectives in clinical settings. They will learn research design, statistics, manuscript 
writing, and dissemination of findings. The course requires active participation and regular 
meetings with mentors and can serve as a foundation for larger projects. Students will 
investigate clinical entities from different perspectives, enhancing their critical evaluation skills 
and contributing to evidence-based medicine. Throughout the course, students and mentors work 
closely to complete a critical review of a specific topic based on pertinent published literature.

OCOM 8943 - Case-Based Study

This three-week course aims to develop students' research skills by designing and executing a 
single medical case study under a credentialed mentor's guidance. Students will investigate 
uncommon clinical entities, enhancing their critical evaluation skills in research design, 
manuscript writing, and dissemination. In clinical settings, students will encounter various 
entities requiring further investigation, particularly those not falling into common presentations. 
The course involves close collaboration with mentors and other research personnel, with students 
managing all aspects of their study. Throughout the course, students and mentors work closely to 
develop the necessary background information for case-based studies, contributing to evidence-based medicine.

OCOM 8944 - Original Research

This course allows students to gain hands-on experience in designing, developing, and completing 
research projects across various topics, including basic and clinical science, epidemiology, and 
health systems science, typically in a clinical setting. Students may join existing studies or co-develop projects with mentors credentialed by the Heritage College. Students develop skills in 
research design, data analysis, manuscript writing, and ethical research practices. Students may 
learn about research compliance approval, if projects involve human subjects or animal models. Maximum length of rotation is 12 weeks (can be divided across two adjacent academic years).