Program Description:  The Department of Medicine (DOM) announces the 2022 Koopman Medical Student Research Excellence Award which will be given to up to three outstanding medical students this year. 

Koopman ResearchWilliam J. Koopman, MD. Photo courtesy of UAB Archives.This award is named in honor of Distinguished Professor and Chairman Emeritus of the Department of Medicine William J. Koopman, MD, who earned worldwide recognition for defining the critical role synovial tissue and autoantibodies play in rheumatoid arthritis. His insights into the molecular biology of the disease inspired novel treatments currently being used today, including arthritis-fighting proteins, a monoclonal antibody, and even a vaccine. His distinguished research career is a model and an inspiration for all young investigators.

Medical students with an interest in medical or health-related research are encouraged to apply for this prestigious eight-week summer internship program with a research mentor who has a primary or secondary appointment in the DOM. The project will be conducted during the summer between the MS1 and MS2 years. Applications are due April 4, 2022.
View guidelines and eligibility.

Previous Awardees by Year

  • 2019
    Andres Camino
    Nicholas Van Wagoner, MD
    Infectious Diseases

    John Hunsicker
    Ellen Eaton, MD
    Infectious Diseases

    John Mitchell
    Martin Young, DPhil
    Cardiovascular Disease

    Venkata Tekumalla
    Suzanne Oparil, MD
    Cardiovascular Disease

  • 2018
    Akhil Kaushik
    Jennifer Pollock, PhD
    Nephrology

    Alex D’Amico
    Jennifer Pollock, PhD
    Nephrology

    Audrey Ang
    Roslyn Mannon, MD
    Nephrology

    Paul St. Clair
    Christina Muzny, MD
    Infectious Diseases
  • 2017
    Dixon Johns
    Steven Rowe, MD
    Pulmonary/Allergy/Critical Care

    Amy Schmitt
    Ganesh Halade, PhD
    Cardiovascular Disease 2018

    Forrest Gamble
    Steven Lloyd, MD PhD
    Cardiovascular Disease
  • 2016
    Stephanie Donaldson
    Suzanne Oparil, MD
    Cardiovascular Disease

    Joshua Jackson
    Jessy Deshane, PhD
    Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine

    Benjamin Smood
    Palaniappan Sethu, PhD
    Cardiovascular Disease
  • 2015
    Kelsey Real
    Kellie Flood, MD
    Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care

    Koushik Kasanagottu
    Monika Safford, MD
    Preventive Medicine

    Salmaan Kamal
    Stefan Kertesz, MD, MSc
    Preventive Medicine
  • 2014
    Kristin Olson
    Christina Muzny, MD
    Infectious Diseases

    Ynhi Thai
    Andrea Cherrington, MD
    Preventive Medicine

    Timothy Fernandez
    Eric Sorscher, MD
    Hematology and Oncology
  • 2013
    Chad Colon
    Suzanne Oparil, MD
    Cardiovascular Disease

    John Thomas
    Anath Shalev, MD
    Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism

    Nick Scanlon
    Paul Goepfert, MD
    Infectious Diseases
  • 2012
    Brandi Baker
    S. Louis Bridges, MD, PhD
    Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology

    Guy Handley
    J. Edwin Blalock, PhD
    Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine

For additional information, contact:

DOM Research 
Email: domresearch@uabmc.edu