AMA Research Challenge by the numbers

Updated | 1 Min Read

The AMA Research Challenge draws hundreds of research abstracts submissions each year from medical students and residents across the country. Learn more about who the 2025 entrants were, where they’re from and what they were researching.

2026 call for abstracts

Enter for the chance to showcase your research, include on your CV and win a $10,000 grand prize presented by KeyBank.

AMA Research Challenge by the numbers

2025 submissions by AMA member type

  • Medical student: 1056
  • Resident or fellow: 205
  • International medical student: 139

AMA Research Challenge

Submit your research abstract to the AMA Research Challenge: extend the reach of your work, enhance your CV and compete for $10,000. Free to AMA members!
Deadline: July 16, 2026.

2025 top 10 number of submissions by medical school

  • Wayne State University School of Medicine—Detroit
  • Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine—Richmond
  • California Northstate University College of Medicine—Elk Grove
  • University of Virginia School of Medicine—Charlottesville
  • Indiana University School of Medicine—Indianapolis
  • FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine—Miami
  • Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine—Henderson
  • Howard University College of Medicine—Washington
  • University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia—Columbia
  • California University of Science and Medicine School of Medicine—San Bernardino

Get residency-ready with AMA benefits

  • Find your perfect match using full features of FREIDA™, the AMA Residency & Fellowship Database®
  • Distinguish yourself with AMA leadership opportunities

Supporting you today as a medical student. Protecting your future as a physician.

2025 submissions by type of research

  • Clinical and Translational Research (480)
  • Clinical Vignettes (343)
  • Public Health and Health Policy (178)
  • Medical Education (135)
  • Basic Science (163)
  • Health Systems Science (101)

FEATURED STORIES

Doctor holds a comforting hand

Exempting physicians from H-1B visa fee protects patients

| 5 Min Read
Paper with a question mark next to a stethoscope

NPs appeal federal court ruling on who can say, “I’m a doctor”

| 5 Min Read
PRP physician compensation report image (Index)

Physician Practice Benchmark Survey 2024: Physician Compensation

Mar 19, 2026
An open vitamin capsule spills out foods, fruits

What doctors need to know about healthy diet patterns

| 4 Min Read