Research Vice Chair’s Message
The Henry J.N. Taub Department of Emergency Medicine at ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ of Medicine provides a structured research training program designed to improve emergency care for underserved populations. Trainees collaborate with faculty mentors on: public health and prevention, chronic disease management, health services research, implementation science and patient-centered outcomes.
Our faculty are active investigators supported by the NIH, various foundations, and industry partners. Research is conducted across three primary clinical sites: Ben Taub Hospital, Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center and the Veterans Affairs Hospital.
Emergency Medicine Research Fellowship (Advanced Specialty Training Program)
Our fellowship focuses on behavioral health, implementation science, and care for underserved populations. Fellows receive advanced research methods training and dedicated faculty mentorship.
- Application Status: Rolling basis.
- Contact: Dr. Zubaid Rafique, Vice Chair of Research
- Required Materials: Letter of interest (detailing research experience), CV, and contact info for three professional references.
We offer flexible, mentored research tracks tailored to fit the clinical schedules and career goals of our residents. Residents can join ongoing faculty studies or select from a curated database of active projects.
Professional Development Supports:
- Mentorship in study design, data analysis, and manuscript preparation.
- Financial support to present research at regional and national conferences on a case-by-case basis (e.g., TCEP, SAEM).
- Pathways toward research fellowships, faculty positions, and grant procurement.
Medical Student Research Programs
We offer longitudinal research projects focused on acute care and underserved populations. Students may participate via research electives, inquiry blocks, or sustained mentorship.
- Proven Success: Since 2020, our faculty has mentored over 40 medical students. This has resulted in 60+ conference posters and 38 peer-reviewed publications featuring medical students as co-authors.
- Recognition: Recent mentees have secured EM residencies and earned national awards from the American College of Emergency Physicians.
- Getting Started: Students should browse the BCM SOAR Database to identify active projects with EM faculty.
Patient Discharge Initiative (PDI)
The PDI allows students to contribute to research and interventions at Ben Taub Hospital—one of Houston’s largest safety-net centers serving low-income and uninsured populations.
- Service & Research: Volunteers assist with discharge by reinforcing medication plans, assessing patient needs, and connecting individuals with social and financial resources.
- Specialized Projects: Members participate in committees focused on diabetes screening, HPV education, and SMS resource tools.
- Skill Development: Students gain hands-on experience in healthcare systems navigation, research design, and data collection.
Note on Clinical Shadowing: BCM EM does not offer shadowing opportunities for undergraduate students. Only BCM medical students may participate in clinical shadowing.
Note for Rice Students: Only Rice EMS students may participate in clinical research at Ben Taub currently.
Heba Mesbah, M.D., Ph.D. is an assistant professor with the Henry J.N. Taub Department of Emergency Medicine at ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ of Medicine. She graduated from our fellowship program in 2024 and has been extensively published in peer review literature on psychiatric emergencies.