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Medical research study designs are many and varied. At first glance they may be difficult to distinguish. Knowledge of their specific strengths and limitations is useful for investigators planning new projects and for readers of the medical literature. This review has three aims: (i) to present an overview of medical research types, (ii) to attract attention to multiple characteristics of medical study designs, and (iii) to provide a concise educational resource for young researchers in health sciences. The goals are achieved by analyzing main characteristics of medical study designs.