Emergency Medicine Research Associate Program

Department of Emergency Medicine News | Careers | Giving | UC Davis Health Search All UC Davis Health Patients and Visitors Divisions Education Research Giving Our Team Maps and Directions Explore UC Davis UC Davis Emergency Medicine Research Associate Program Updates UC Davis students who are interested in applying to EMRAP and would like to be notified of the next application cycle can find the interest form Interested applicants can obtain more information from our Facebook and Instagram. Research Hands-On in the Emergency Department The Emergency Medicine Research Associate Program (EMRAP) is a unique opportunity for undergraduates to learn about research and healthcare within a busy emergency department. EMRAP is a pre-professional program that provides learning opportunities for future health care researchers and practitioners. UC Davis Medical Center is the largest hospital in inland Northern California and the only Level 1 trauma or burn center for this section of the state.  It is among the busiest trauma centers in the entire country.  The emergency department cares for approximately 80,000 patients per year and is the primary teaching site for emergency medicine residents.  An urban emergency department provides a broad array of medical services that range from acute severe trauma and heart attacks to a “safety net” for those with no other access to the medical-care system.  EMRAP was created in 2000 by the emergency medicine faculty to support the research of the department.  Experience in this environment is an outstanding way to find out if you might enjoy a future career in health care professions. Volunteering as an research associate in EMRAP, provides a unique opportunity to learn about the field of clinical research, observe emergency department operations, and learn from physicians, nurses and staff of the emergency department.  Research in emergency medicine can identify fundamental issues of health-care delivery and can improve the quality of emergency care for patients.  The research associate position is an important responsibility requiring maturity, initiative, diligence and excellent interpersonal skills.    Benefits to volunteering in EMRAP: Experience in clinical research and quality improvement initiatives Learning emergency department systems and operations Working with emergency medicine faculty Learning medical terminology and laboratory tests Learning about signs and symptoms of diseases Letters of recommendation for excellent service to EMRAP Transcript notation Shift times are flexible, schedule to volunteer around test and other obligations! If in the program long enough, one may advance to leadership or may be asked to do a special project Internship Requirements are as follows: First quarter Research Associates attend a weekly 2 hour lectures that has required readings All Research Associates have to attend the quarterly meeting Completion of written competence tests Tests cover basic elements of clinical research, current studies, and administrative aspects of the EMRAP program. Research Associates are required to complete at least 10 four hour shifts each quarter. For UC Davis Students For Non-UC Davis Students Application Help EMRAP typically recruits UC Davis students during: Late January to early February for start in Spring Quarter Late August to early September for start in Fall Quarter Late October to early November for start in Winter Quarter EMRAP at UC Davis shares the university and department's commitment to excellence and equity by promoting an inclusive environment for all students. EMRAP aims to provide equal opportunity and is committed to giving members due recognition for their academic and personal successes. EMRAP is determined to support and uplift students of all backgrounds by maintaining an accommodating, empathetic work environment and celebrating the diverse perspectives of students in the program. Ultimately, our program strives to promote a future cohort of professionals in health and research who will be representative of the populations they serve. Related Links Education Programs Research Our Team Job Opportunities Other Links UC Davis UC Davis Health Quick Links Social Media Schools of Health Mentoring Academy Faculty and Staff Directory UC Davis Health Newsroom UC Davis UC Davis Health Encompasses School of Medicine Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing Medical Group Medical Center Connect with Us Stay connected with what′s happening in Emergency Medicine.     Back to top DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE 4150 V Street Patient Support Services Bldg. (PSSB), Suite 2100 |  Sacramento, CA 95817  |  Phone: 916-734-5010 © 2026 UC Regents. All Rights Reserved  |  Legal