Summer Pediatric Internship Research Experience (SPIRE)

The Summer Pediatric Internship in Research (SPIRE) is a seven-week summer program combining research and clinical aspects of pediatrics and/or pediatric subspecialties.

The Summer Pediatric Internship Research Experience (SPIRE) is a mentored program designed to provide research experience to first-year Jacobs School medical students. In our program, you will be paired with a faculty mentor to complete a pediatric or pediatric specialty research project.

In addition to conducting research, you will attend departmental meetings to gain exposure to the clinical aspects of the subspecialty. Expectation will be to work on a research plan with a mentor prior to starting a project. At the end of the seven-week summer internship, you will be expected to have completed data collection. Additional work may be needed to complete analysis and prepare your presentation during the winter break. You will have the opportunity to present your work for faculty and peers in the department at the Pediatrics Department Research Forum and at the school-wide Medical Student Research Forum.

Our faculty mentors encourage our student researchers to publish study results and present at national meetings.

Research

There are numerous research studies and projects ongoing in Pediatrics. We encourage you to apply if interested in Pediatrics and an active match will occur with faculty if available projects align.

There are 3 structured subprograms that can be selected within SPIRE:

Locations

Internships take place on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.

Number of Positions

We accept 1–4 students per year, depending on student/mentor fit and funding availability.

Eligibility

First-year Jacobs School medical students in good standing are invited to apply. Other students will be considered on a case-by-case basis, but may include undergraduates with a strong interest in research or pediatrics. 

Program Dates

This is a seven-week internship during the summer between your first and second year.

June 8 – July 24, 2026

Award

A $4,000 stipend for the summer.

Former SPIRE Participants

Our SPIRE graduates have advanced to successful careers in medicine and research. Read more about some of our former participants.

Faces & Voices
Michelle Smith.
I knew that the summer between my first and second year of medical school was a pivotal time to explore my research interests as well as to establish myself as an individual committed to improving the field of pediatrics through research.
12/31/24

Michelle Smith, MD ’16
Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

How to Apply

Please complete this form to apply.

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Application Deadline

Feb. 20

Award Notification

Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted on a rolling basis, with a goal to finalize offers by early March.

Contact

If you have questions about this research opportunity, please contact:

Hicar, Mark

Mark Hicar, MD, PhD, FPIDS, FIDSA

Associate Professor; Chief, Pediatric Infectious Diseases; Program Director, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellowship

UBMD Pediatrics Division of Infectious Diseases 1001 Main Street Buffalo, NY 14203

Phone: 716-323-0150; Fax: 716-323-0296

Email: markhica@buffalo.edu