A Rising Star in Medical Research

The prestigious National Institutes of Health’s Medical Research Scholars Program allows medical students to engage in mentored research at the federal agency’s headquarters in Bethesda, Md.

Each year, the program selects a small group of students pursuing a career as clinician-scientists, giving them the unique opportunity to enhance their research skills and contribute to groundbreaking medical advancements.

With her passion, dedication and support from Jefferson, third-year Sidney Kimmel Medical College student Virali Patel will be among the 2025-2026 scholars.

Patel’s journey into medicine began in high school when she faced a personal challenge that would shape her future. “When my grandfather became ill, I spent a lot of time in the hospital,” she recalls. “The physicians took their time to explain what was happening. That made a significant impact on me.”

This experience ignited her passion for medicine, leaving her with a deep desire to make a meaningful difference in patients' lives.

Patel pursued her undergraduate degree at the University of Pittsburgh, where she immersed herself in extracurricular activities, shadowed physicians and engaged in discussions that reinforced her desire to enter the medical field.

“Seeing the profound impact that physicians can have on vulnerable patients strengthened my resolve to pursue medicine throughout undergrad,” she says.

When Patel entered medical school, she wanted to dedicate a year to research to enhance her understanding of scientific knowledge and skills that would complement her future clinical practice.

Her dedication to research is evident from her involvement at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where she worked on clinical research related to a rare neurological disorder.

“My principal investigator was a clinician who balanced bench research with clinical and translational research,” says Patel, a first-generation college student. “Her impact in the field inspired me to follow a similar path.”

Entering the Medical Research Scholars Program, Patel hopes to expand her scientific knowledge and skill set. “The program pairs you with a mentor who guides you through a project, and you get to take courses in subjects like grant writing and statistical analysis—critical skills for a clinician-scientist,” she says.

Patel’s interests lie in obstetrics and gynecology, a field she feels has less emphasis on research compared to specialties like dermatology or orthopedics.

“I want to change that by contributing meaningful research to this area,” says Patel, who thanks her Jefferson mentors and Dr. Wayne Bond Lau, associate dean in the office of student affairs, for their unwavering support. The University’s collaborative environment also provided her with valuable research opportunities and mentorship that she believes will significantly benefit her experience.

As Patel embarks on this exciting chapter, she aims to enhance her research credentials and build a network of connections.

“I see this program as a crucial step toward achieving my goal of becoming a clinician-scientist who can make a difference in the medical field,” Patel says.