ICTCR has fostered several projects that combine resources of Des Moines University (DMU) and Mercy Medical Center (MMC) physicians. These experiences follow several patterns which can be replicated as appropriate.

The research team approach involves a group of medical students from DMU who work on a clinical project at Mercy. A DMU faculty member serves as their mentor for purposes of developing protocol, Internal Review Board (IRB) submission and data collection forms. The research is directed by a Mercy physician who ultimately works with the students and DMU faculty member for presentation and publication.

Direct collaborative research between DMU faculty members and Mercy physicians--with or without student involvement--has been successful for several projects.

Resident physicians, along with MMC and DMU advisors, can develop research projects with clinical and laboratory aspects and these projects can include medical or undergraduate students, but may be conducted solely by the resident physician.