Zoom Webinar

Research Opportunities
When Choosing
a Med School

Find out why are they important!

When
Monday, April 20, 2026 · 6:00 PM EDT
Where
Zoom Webinar — Link sent upon registration
Presenter
Dr. Juan Acuna · Associate Dean of Research

A Research Culture Built
Into the DNA of Medical Education

At AUA, research is not an elective — it's woven into every year of your medical education. From foundational science to clinical rotations, our students engage with meaningful inquiry that shapes better physicians.

75+
Students Completed
Research Projects
150+
Published Papers
by AUA Students & Faculty
20K+
Citations Across
Published Research
5+ Years
of Accelerated Extensive Dedicated
Research Programs at AUA

Research Experience Changes
Your Medical Career Trajectory

Residency programs increasingly look for applicants with research experience. Here's why choosing a research-active medical school gives you a decisive edge.

Residency Competitiveness

Publications and research projects are powerful differentiators on your residency application. Programs value applicants who demonstrate intellectual curiosity and analytical rigor.

Evidence-Based Practice

Physicians who understand research methodology make better clinical decisions. Research training transforms how you interpret medical literature and apply new findings at the bedside.

Faculty Mentorship

Work one-on-one with experienced physician-researchers. These mentorship relationships open doors to recommendation letters, specialty networks, and career guidance that money can't buy.

USMLE Performance

Students who engage with research demonstrate deeper conceptual understanding — a foundation that directly correlates with stronger USMLE Step scores and board performance.

Publication Opportunities

AUA students have co-authored papers in peer-reviewed journals. Having your name on a published study as an MD student is an achievement that sets your application apart from day one.

Specialty Access

Competitive specialties like surgery, dermatology, and radiology increasingly value research experience. AUA equips you with the credentials to compete for your specialty of choice.

Our Work, In Print

AUA students and faculty are actively contributing to peer-reviewed journals across clinical and basic sciences. Here are a few recent publications.

Morphological and Morphometric Analysis of the Maxillary Nerve
Anatomy January 13, 2026

Morphological and Morphometric Analysis of the Maxillary Nerve in South Indian Cadavers

A recently published original research article explores the morphology and key anatomical measurements of the maxillary nerve in South Indian cadavers, contributing valuable insight to anatomy education and clinical application.

Read More
Rethinking Physiology Teaching
Physiology January 13, 2026

Rethinking Physiology Teaching in Advances in Physiology Education

A recently published article in Advances in Physiology Education explores evidence-based, theory-informed strategies for making physiology education more interactive and effective.

Read More
Tobacco product cessation and prenatal care
Public Health March 9, 2026

Tobacco Product Cessation and Prenatal Care Utilization

A Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System study of cigarette, e-cigarette, and dual-use behaviors during pregnancy.

Read More
Neuroprotective Effects of Tinospora cordifolia
Neuroscience January 16, 2026

Neuroprotective Effects of Tinospora cordifolia on Hippocampal Neuronal Damage

Published in the Jordan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences — exploring prenatal stress impacts on cognition, behavior, and psychosocial traits.

Read More
Cigarette, E-Cigarette and Hookah Use
Q1 Journal January 13, 2026

Cigarette, E-Cigarette and Hookah Use Among Women of Childbearing Age (PRAMS 2016–2022)

Published in the Maternal and Child Health Journal — a Q1-ranked journal, marking an important milestone in student-led research at AUA.

Read More
Dr. Juan Acuna – Associate Dean of Research, AUA
Dr. Juan Acuna
Associate Dean of Research · AUA

Dr. Juan Acuna

"Research literacy is not optional for the modern physician. It is the difference between practicing medicine and advancing it."

Dr. Juan Acuna serves as the Associate Dean of Research at AUA College of Medicine, where he has championed the integration of research into every stage of medical training. With decades of experience in academic medicine, he has mentored hundreds of students through their first research publications and helped shape AUA's research infrastructure into one of the most robust in Caribbean medical education.

Associate Dean of Research, AUA College of Medicine
Expert in integrating research methodology into preclinical education
Mentor to numerous published student researchers in peer-reviewed journals
Regular speaker at international medical education conferences
Register to Attend Live

What We'll Cover
in 60 Minutes

A focused, no-fluff session designed for aspiring medical students who want to make a fully informed school decision.

  1. 01
    Why Research Defines Medical School Quality
    The metrics behind research-active programs and what they mean for your education and residency outcomes.
  2. 02
    AUA's Research Infrastructure
    An inside look at labs, faculty mentors, ongoing studies, and how students get plugged in from Year 1.
  3. 03
    From Student to Published Author
    Real case studies of AUA students who published during medical school — and how it changed their match outcomes.
  4. 04
    The Residency Match Advantage
    Data on how research experience correlates with match rates into competitive specialties.
  5. 05
    Live Q&A with Dr. Acuna
    Submit your questions in real time and get direct answers from the Associate Dean of Research.
📅 Event Details
Date
Monday, April 20, 2026
Time
6:00 PM EDT
Platform
Zoom — Link via Email
Duration
~60 Minutes + Q&A
Seats are limited
Reserve My Seat

No credit card. No commitment. Just great insight.

Join Dr. Acuna
Live on April 20th

This webinar is designed for pre-med students, current applicants, and anyone evaluating medical schools. Walk away with a sharper framework for evaluating research opportunities — and a clearer path forward.

Immediate value — walk away with a concrete research-evaluation checklist for any med school.
Exclusive Q&A — get your specific questions answered by the Associate Dean of Research directly.
No sales pitch — this is a 100% educational session focused on helping you make the right decision.
Recording access — registered attendees receive the recorded session within 24 hours.
Registration

Secure Your Spot Today

April 20, 2026 · 6:00 PM EDT · Zoom Webinar

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