The Wayne State University School of Medicine has established the Office of Medical Student Research and Innovation to assist students interested in research and entrepreneurship.

Dean Jack D. Sobel, M.D., and Vice Dean for Medical Education Richard Baker, M.D., announced the new office July 18.

The office, part of continuous quality improvement efforts that have grown out of the school's Liaison Committee on Medical Education reaccreditation efforts, was developed to facilitate ongoing endeavors to provide "outstanding opportunities" for students to participate in quality faculty-mentored research.

"I am continually amazed that our students find the time - with all the information that is thrown at them, especially in the first and second year - to engage in research and other projects," Dean Sobel said. "We want to assist them as much as possible in these efforts, so this is an essential function."

Joseph Dunbar, Ph.D., professor and director of Special Programs and a longtime faculty member, is director of the new office located on the fourth floor of Scott Hall, in Room 4245.

"All of the services this office provides already existed, but we are now pulling them all together in one office," Vice Dean Baker said. "Dr. Dunbar knows everything and everybody, so he's perfect to direct this office and assist our students in coordinating these efforts. He'll be a great conduit to connect students with what they need."

Student research opportunities, Vice Dean Baker noted, remain an integral component of the school's teaching mission. The office will assist in providing students with the competitive tools necessary to advance their careers.

"It's important that 'innovation' be part of the name of the office," Vice Dean Baker said. "We have first- and second-year students engaged in research, and some who have already launched and sold their own companies. We want to provide the services that can help students who are also entrepreneurs get in touch with TechTown and other incubators that can cultivate them and their ideas."

For more information on the office and its services, contact Dr. Dunbar at 313-577-7659, jdunbar@med.wayne.edu, or program coordinator Ginianne Gilchrist at 313-577-5056, ggilchri@med.wayne.edu.