The purpose of the Focused Individualized Research Experience courses (FIRE-I/II) is to provide and facilitate opportunities for each student to conduct and complete a scientific research project. This experience enables students to develop skills of intellectual inquiry applicable to the practice of medicine. A FIRE project may be in any area of medicine where a qualified faculty Research Mentor can be identified. The curriculum includes training and tools to successfully develop a rigorous, independent, and scholarly FIRE project. Conducting and completing a FIRE project is a defining characteristic of UCF medical students, enabling them to better appreciate and practice evidence-based medicine throughout their careers.
The FIRE curriculum is focused on delivering content during formally scheduled in-person sessions or flexible, online, self-learning modules (SLMs). In the first year of medical school (FIRE-I), students identify a FIRE mentor and work with that individual or team to develop an original, feasible, and scientifically valid FIRE proposal. In FIRE-II, students complete their FIRE projects initiated in FIRE-I. Throughout both FIRE-I and II, students receive feedback from faculty, statistical research coordinators, librarians, and peers. The culminating experience of FIRE-II is presenting FIRE project results at the annual FIRE conference.
