Internal Medicine Research

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An ideal environment for biomedical research

The mission of the Department of Internal Medicine is to provide innovative medical care of the highest quality to our patients. Toward that, we have created a highly collaborative environment and infrastructure for basic science and clinical research. We strongly believe that such research is the foundation for transformative discoveries and innovations that will be the key to advance patient care. Through our leading-edge research programs, we are committed to helping patients by developing new therapies and medical devices, as well as by expanding scientific and medical knowledge. Our research and educational programs are also geared to identify and train the future innovators, researchers, educators and leaders of medicine.

Learn more about research in Internal Medicine at Rush and find out what clinical trials are available now.

Research divisions

Learn more about the work of our faculty in each division of the Department of Internal Medicine.

Office of research

This new, dedicated central resource has been created to help investigators in the department with every aspect of their research, including providing funds for innovative ideas and bridge support, assist with grant submission, pre- and post-award grant management and to foster collaboration. The Executive Committee on Research (ECOR) provides seed and bridge funding every year to principal investigators in the department, with a goal to help researchers initiate or complete the work they need to receive NIH funding, as well as to publish their findings in leading journals. The Academic Mentoring Awards provide protected time and support to clinical and non-clinical faculty to pursue innovative research and education activities and receive career mentorship and guidance from dedicated senior faculty. A monthly research grand rounds hosts local, national and international researchers to present research focused seminars to the students, residents, fellows and faculty in the department. A bi-weekly Internal Medicine Seminar Series provides a forum to students, fellows and junior faculty to present their research to their peers and receive feedback. These programs provide an excellent opportunity for the medical and graduate students, residents, fellows and faculty to get more involved in research and enhance their training experience at Rush.

For assistance with any research related inquiries, please contact Marina Vracar-Grabar - Research Administrator, via email here or call 312-942-3370.

Research facilities and resources

Rush University Medical Center has established an extensive array of core facilities to promote the success of research at Rush. 

• Rush Internal Medicine Drug Discovery and Imaging Core Facility
• Preclinical Catheterization Laboratory
• Learn more about other Rush research core facilities.

Focus on innovation

As part of our mission, the Department of Internal Medicine is highly focused on the development of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic agents and devices, for improving the lives of all of our patients locally, nationally and internationally. In partnership with the Technology Transfer office at Rush, we are developing new technologies and applications.  Our newly established Drug Discovery Center is focused on developing new treatments for kidney diseases and inflammatory conditions and relies on our several cutting-edge research tools, including state-of-the-art High Content Screening based assay systems, TEM and SEM electron microscopes as well as imaging systems. To address a growing need for deciphering the mechanisms behind the heart and kidney that could result in significantly lowering mortality in patients and for developing novel therapeutic strategies, the Department has also invested in cardio-renal programs.

Research opportunities

The Department of Internal Medicine recently developed an effective research mentoring program, and the Graduate College offers training and a Master of Science in Clinical Research focused on the MD fellow or junior attending.

If you are interested in research opportunities with the Department of Internal Medicine, please contact us.

Support internal medicine research

The research enterprise in the Department of Internal Medicine at Rush is supported by a number of external sources, including funding from the National Institutes of Health, American Heart Association, Department of Defense, National Kidney Foundation, Nephcure Foundation and private donors.

Philanthropic support from donors allows the Department of Internal Medicine to conduct the most innovative research and provide the highest-quality patient care.

Learn more about how your gift can make a difference or donate now.