Training medical students to address substance use disorders in urban and rural communities.
Official title: The UW Medical Student Addiction Research (MedStAR) Program to Address Substance Use and Disorders in Urban and Rural Communities in Five Western States
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11055708 · Data updated 2026-11-12
The UW Medical Student Addiction Research Program helps first-year medical students learn about substance use disorders by involving them in research and mentorship, so they can better understand and support people affected by addiction in their future careers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2020 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $374,800 |
| NIH project number | 2R25DA050985-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11055708 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals living in urban and rural communities affected by substance use disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by substance use disorders may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
The UW Medical Student Addiction Research (MedStAR) Program trains first-year medical students in research methods focused on substance use disorders (SUDs). This program spans five western states and aims to encourage students to pursue careers in Addiction Medicine. Students receive mentorship and are involved in research that is informed by the experiences of individuals affected by addiction. The program also emphasizes the importance of implementing evidence-based care for patients with SUDs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new generation of physicians equipped to better address and treat substance use disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in training medical students in addiction medicine, indicating that this approach has potential for positive outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tsui, Judith — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Tsui, Judith
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
New statistical methods to study brain networks in substance use and addiction
A small, focused project will develop and test new brain-imaging analysis methods to identify biomarkers linked to substance use risk and addiction, using resting-state MRI data from people with autistic disorder.
-
Reducing substance use among youth in rural communities involved in the justice system.
This study is working to help young people in rural Indiana who are involved in the juvenile justice system and struggling with substance use by connecting them with better treatment options and support from local mental health centers.
-
Reducing substance use among youth in rural communities involved in the justice system.
This study is working to help young people in rural Indiana who are involved in the juvenile justice system and struggling with substance use by teaming up with local mental health centers to make sure they get the support and treatment they need.
-
Improving contraception decisions for women with substance use disorders after childbirth
A patient-centered decision tool called MyPath aims to help postpartum women with substance use disorders choose and keep effective contraception after giving birth.
-
Co-treated care for substance use and heart infection at UVMMC
A hospital-based project aims to improve how doctors and teams treat people with both substance use disorder and infective endocarditis during their hospital stay.
-
Preventing Suicide Among Teens Who Use Substances in School Settings
Aims to see if how schools respond to substance-use incidents (like alcohol or drugs) can lower suicide risk among high‑risk students.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.