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Research Grant Policies and Guidelines

Introduction

The Medical Education Foundation of the American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists is funding grants for scientific research in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Objective

The research grant program is designed to promote the advancement of osteopathic medicine, to overcome constraints imposed by other funding sources by being as efficient as possible in the application process, and to encourage the development of a well-rounded and creative osteopathic physician.

Categories

Basic Science Research Project

Proposals involving research into biology and mechanisms of the body with emphasis on normal and abnormal reproductive organs and processes.

Clinical Research Project

Proposals must show that a known variable is purposefully introduced to effect a change. Proposals involving review of data, history or literature searches will not be considered.

Educational Research Project

Proposals involving rigorous research that contributes to addressing significant questions related to the education of medical students (UME), residents (GME), fellows or physicians in practice (CME/CPD).

Eligibility

Primary applicants must be a DO who is:

a

A resident in an ACGME-approved OB/GYN residency training program

b

A sub-specialty fellowship

c

A junior faculty (not adjunct) at an Osteopathic Postdoctoral Training Institution (OPTI)

Primary applicants who have previously received this research grant may compete again at a different grant cycle.

Primary applicants may list staff, faculty members, or trained hospital personnel as co-applicants.

Application

Applications are only accepted if they are submitted through the online system. Only complete applications will be reviewed. The application must be postmarked on or before the deadline date, which is currently November 1 of each year. A maximum of two (2) applications are allowed for each individual.

Ready to Apply?

Submit Application

Instructions & Required Uploads

1

Submission

Only complete applications submitted through the portal will be accepted.

2

Letter of Approval

Upload a letter of acknowledgement signed by the program or fellowship director that you are approved to apply for this grant.

3

School Approval

Upload a letter or document from the school verifying that the research proposal is approved.

4

Clinic Approval

If the proposal involves research in a clinic or hospital, an additional letter of approval must be obtained from the clinic or hospital administrator.

5

Compliance

Provide a copy of an approved or submitted application to the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the school or hospital. If human subjects are utilized, include informed consent, risks, benefits, and steps taken to assure patients are not participating against their will. Proposals involving animals must include an approved application to the Animal Research Committee.

6

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Upload a current copy of your curriculum vitae (CV).

Required Outline of Proposal

1

Abstract

This is the most important section. Describe the problem or observation and give an explanation as to what appears to be happening (hypothesis). Describe what must be done to solve the problem, the methodology used, justification for the use of particular animal models, and comment on possible outcomes.

2

Budget

State the total amount of funds requested and date to begin the one-year support. Funds may be utilized for direct costs only. Itemize all expenses under:

  • Equipment (do not include computer equipment)
  • Supplies
  • Maintenance and animal care
  • Miscellaneous
  • Travel
3

Introduction and Objectives

Describe the problem or observation and relate its general phenomena. Mention pilot or related studies conducted by other researchers. Include all background material on subject matter. Hypothesize the problem and describe your objectives.

4

Experimental Design

Outline briefly the experimental design, number of animals or patients used, the randomization of experimental groups, the controls, and the statistics that will be utilized.

5

Methods

Describe the materials, animals, drugs and treatment schedules used. Include all experimental methods that will be used in the experiments.

6

Significance

Comment on the expected outcomes and the significance of each outcome and relate the outcomes to the general phenomena.

7

References Cited

List all references, including books, journals, articles and abstracts. Format them in APA or AMA format.

8

Facilities Available

Give a brief description of the facilities available for the project.

Award Information

Award Amount

Up to $5,000

For one year of research

Funding Begins

January 1

Following application review

Application Deadline

November 1

Each year

The award could be spread among more than one applicant. The amount is to be expended as stated in the budget page accompanying the application. Grant extensions with no changes in the amount awarded are allowed if a written request is submitted to the College. Funds awarded are not transferable to another institution.

Review Process

Applications will be reviewed by the ACOOG Research and Awards Committee. The applicants will be notified of the award and the process of funding will begin January 1.

Reports and Publications

An applicant awarded a research grant is required to submit a progress report and an accounting of expenditures to the MEFACOOG, his/her program director, and/or department chairman. Upon review and approval, the applicant is required to submit the completed project to the MEFACOOG and submit it to a recognized journal for publication, if applicable, or present the research at a Fall or Annual meeting of the College.

In cases where a project may cover more than one year, an annual progress report including an accounting of expenditures must be submitted to the MEFACOOG, program director, and department chairman.

Additional Policies

Unused Funds

Funds that are not expended or committed at the end of the grant period are to be returned immediately to the MEFACOOG.

Patent Policy

All patentable discoveries, inventions, enhancements or processes should be patented according to the patent policies set up at the resident's, fellow's or junior faculty's institution.

Correspondence

All correspondence should be directed to the Executive Director of the MEFACOOG by email and a hard copy via US mail, who will redirect inquiries to appropriate members of the committee.

Ready to Apply?

Submit your application through our online portal before November 1st.

Submit Application