For Those Under-represented in Medicine

MEDPREP (Medical/Dental Education Preparatory Program) website.

Association of American Medical Colleges' new diversity web site.

Publications of interest in the HPA Library: 1) "Minority Student Opportunities in United States Medical Schools" (1998 Edition) and 2) "Opportunities for Minority Students in United States Dental Schools," can be found in the Health Professions library (305 West College).

Summer Positions and Programs:

University of California Los Angeles, School of Medicine.  http://www.medstudent.ucla.edu/prospective/ is designed to assist students from disadvantaged backgrounds who have been unsuccessful in gaining admission to US medical schools.  The program includes an intensive eight-week summer session focused upon prerequisite science and MCAT preparation.  Guest lectures include seminars, workshops, academic skills, self-development, financial planning, medical school re-application and interviewing skills.  Applications will be accepted beginning February 1st and will be reviewed continually through May 31th.

University of California Los Angeles, School of Medicine.  UCLA Premedical Enrichment Program (UCLA PREP), which runs for six weeks beginning June 26, 2006, aims to provide pre-medical and pre-dental students from disadvantaged backgrounds with a means of strengthening their ability and readiness to study medicine or dentistry.  The two-tier program is designed to enhance science problem-solving skills and to serve as a foundation in preparing for the MCAT or DAT.  Participants will learn to manipulate and integrate information through analytical thinking.  Application deadline is March 1, 2006.

PSOMER (Pritzker School of Medicine Experience in Research): for outstanding rising junior and senior students wish to gain laboratory experience.  PSOMER is an excellent eight week summer program designed for 10 high achieving college students from racial and ethnic groups (African American or Black, Hispanic, American Indian, Alaskan Native or Native Hawaiian) that have been shown to be underrepresented in health related sciences or college students from disadvantaged backgrounds.  This program will help students to gain experience in biomedical research and career development.

Students will live on campus and work in the laboratories of UC faculty, where they will learn to do basic or clinical research. Research projects would range from bench to clinical projects reflecting our faculty’s commitment to advancing the science and practice of medicine.  Participants will attend a weekly research colloquium where they will learn techniques of scientific analysis from UC faculty and medical school students. Participants will receive a stipend of $5,400, enjoy free tuition, and present their work at a poster and presentation session.

This year's program dates are June 16 through August 8, 2008 and the program will again be held on The University of Chicago campus.  The application deadline is Monday, March 3, 2008. Please follow this link: http://pritzker.bsd.uchicago.edu/about/diversity/pipeline/, to apply.

CAMP - Chicago Academic Medical Program

• Six week academic skills building program
• Mini-medical school format
• Focus on group learning, team building and peer support
• Daily interactive presentations on organ based systems
• Clinical Shadowing opportinities with physician mentors
• Advising sessions with Pritzker deans and admissions officers
• $1000 stipend and bus passes for local transportation
• Social and mentoring events with Pritzker students, faculty and staff

Application deadline is March 10, 2008. For applications and additional information, please follow this link: http://pritzker.bsd.uchicago.edu/about/diversity/pipeline/.

Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons Minority Medical Education Program. SMDEP, sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, is a six-week classroom-based science enrichment program. Students receive clinical experience in hospital medicine, emergency room medicine, the operating rooms, as well as primary care, in addition to strategies for MCAT preparation and for application to medical school. Participants are housed on the Health Sciences campus, receive a modest stipend and a meal/travel allowance to assist in related expenses. Applicants will be accepted on a rolling admissions basis. Students interested in obtaining an application and information are advised to visit the Association of American Medical Colleges SMDEP website at www.smdep.org.

The Summer Medical and Dental Education Program (SMDEP), funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, is a summer enrichment program designed to help promising and highly motivated students gain admission to medical or dental school.  SMDEP is hosted at 12 institutions across the country and is for freshman and sophomores.  The summer 2006 session, SMDEP's inaugural year, closed out successfully with a graduating class of 954 scholars.  It is now recruiting for summer 2008 and the application can be found at www.smdep.org. Deadline: March 1, 2008.

New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ. Students for Medicine and Dentistry Program (SMDP). Undergraduate students eligible to participate in the Students for Medicine & Dentistry Program are in-going sophomores, juniors and seniors. Graduating seniors are not eligible. This summer academic enrichment program is offer for a six-week period beginning June. The program is designed to provide students with science course exposure, academic skill development, clinical experience, admissions workshops, and research opportunities. For additional information please email vernagje@umdnj.edu or call (973) 972-3762.

University of VA School of Medicine, SMDEP Since 1984, the University of Virginia School of Medicine has operated an academic enrichment program for pre-medical students (formerly known as the Medical Academic Advancement Progam or MAAP).  The program, currently known as the Summer Medical and Dental Education Program, is designed to give promising pre-medical students the opportunity to have additional educational experiences as well as exposure to clinical and research environments, to improve their competitiveness in the medical school application process and to enhance their retention in medical school.  SMDEP is open to rising sophomores and rising juniors only.  Go to http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/internet/academic-support/ for more information on the program and how to apply.  Questions?  Contact Joyce Gray or Dr. Moses Woode at maap@virginia.edu or jbg8v@virginia.edu; tel:  (434) 243-6165.

Case Western Office of Multicultural Affairs will have opportunities for interested candidates to enroll in the Heart, Lung, and Blood Minority Research Training Program. This program provides undergraduates and medical students with an opportunity to undertake state-of-the-art biomedical research in cardiovascular, pulmonary, hematological, and sleep disorders research and to expose them to excitement, challenges and rewards of a career in biomedical research. This program provides mentored research training with outstanding investigators. Instructions on how to apply can be found here. Deadline: February 1, 2008. For addional information please see the website or email Edna Fuentes-Casiano (Program Coordinator) or Joseph T. William (Director).

University of Connecticut Health Center. Academic/Clinical/Research Summer Enrichment Programs. There are three summer programs for disadvantaged students interested in a career in medicine, dental medicine, biomedical research, nursing or allied health. The College Enrichment Program (CEP) is designed to provide an intensive series of lectures in mathematics, chemistry, biology and physics for freshmen and sophomore college students. The Medical/Dental Preparatory Program (MDPP) is designed to simulate the first year of medical and dental school for college sophomores, juniors and seniors. The Summer Research Fellowship Program(SRFP) is designed for students who have completed all requirements for medical and dental school. All pay a stipend! Please note that the application deadline is February 8, 2008. For applications and additional information, go to the website or contact their office directly at (860)679-3483 or via email.

Cornell/Rockefeller/Sloan-Kettering Tri-Institutional MD-PhD Program
One of the missions of the Cornell/Rockefeller/Sloan-Kettering Tri-Institutional MD-PhD Program is to increase the diversity among physician-scientists and specifically, to increase the number of physician scientists who are members of underrepresented minority groups. To meet this need, the Tri-Institutional MD-PhD Program has developed the Gateways to the Laboratory Program, an undergraduate summer research program for underrepresented minority students in their freshman and sophomore years of college. Each student receives a stipend of $4,300 and reimbursement for travel expenses. On-campus housing is available. Application deadline is February 2, 2009.

Weill Cornell Medical College: The Travelers Summer Research Fellowship Program For Premedical Minority Students.
The Program provides an opportunity for students to do an independent study-research project under the supervision of a faculty member, but time also is set aside for students to become acquainted with the clinical and public health aspects of medicine. Students in the spring semester of their junior year may apply.

Deadline is February 1, 2009. For additional information, please go to their website at http://www.med.cornell.edu/education/programs.

Harvard School of Public Health, Summer Internship Program for Minority Students
A ten-week laboratory-based biological research program for minority undergraduates during the summer following their sophomore or junior years (June 14 - August 13, 2004). Financial Support over the course of the 10 weeks includes a stipend of at least $4,160, a travel allowance of up to $475 and free dormitory housing. Application deadline is February 13, 2004. For additional information phone (617) 432-4470 or go to our website.

The Biomedical Research Apprenticeship Program (BioMedRAP) at Washington University School of Medicine, is a 10-week summer research program for exceptional students interested in pursuing biomedical research careers. This program is designed to provide a rigorous, in-depth research experience to prepare participants for top-quality Ph.D. and M.D./Ph.D. programs in the biological and biomedical sciences.  The program provides a stipend of $4000, free travel, free housing, MCAT and GRE classes and funds for a parent to attend the closing activities. 85% of participants go on to the program of their choice. Their Ph.D. and M.D./Ph.D. program provides a stipend of $27,500 plus a full tuition waiver for all students.

Applications are accepted November 1-January 31, 2010.  More information can be found at http://biomedrap.wustl.edu/.

Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School's Summer Research Trainee Program (SRTP)
The goal of the SRTP is to expose undergraduate and medical college minority students to opportunities available in biomedical research and clinical medicine.  Research opportunities exist over a broad range of disciplines, encompassing clinical, public policy and basic science projects.  Students will also participate in weekly seminars at both MGH and Harvard Medical School.  This 8-week program begins June 14, 2004.  A $3,000 stipend, which includes housing and travel costs, will be provided to those participating in the program.  Application deadline is March 1, 2004. For more information and to download an application, email the Multicultural Affairs Office or see the SRTP web site.

University of Michigan, Health Management Summer Enrichment Program for undergraduate minority students. The intent of the program is to encourage minority undergraduates to identify health management as an attractive career option by familiarizing them with the field through a structured summer work experience. The application deadline is March 5, 2004. For information please contact Dr. Richard Lichtenstein at (734) 936-3296 or via email at um_sep@umich.edu.

University of Michigan, School of Dentistry and Medical School Office of Multicultural Affairs and Office of Diversity and Career Development Summer Programs: May 12 - June 20, 2008. An intensive DAT & MCAT preparation and skill building program designed for 3rd and 4th year pre-dental and pre-medical college students and recent graduates. For information on Profile for Success Pre-Dental and Pre-Medical programs, please visit the website: www.dent.umich.edu/mac or email: mca.dent@umich.edu or umms.hcop@umich.edu. Application deadline is March 7, 2008.

New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ. Hispanic Center of Excellence MCAT Review Course.
This program will assist students in preparing for all sections of the MCAT examination. The goal of the program is to help students develop the skills that will enable them to increase their scores. Traditional instructional methods, in class exercises, small group discussions and practice examinations will be utilized. The course is divided into four components: Physical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Verbal Reasoning and Writing Skills. For additional information email vernagje@umdnj.edu or call (973) 972-3762.

New York University Summer Institute:  The Howard Hughes Honors Summer Institute for undergraduates will afford undergraduates the opportunity to engage in research and to live on the University's campus.  Applications are encouraged from those undergraduates majoring in or planning to major in the natural sciences, computer science, or mathematics, and who are interested in the areas of bioinformatics, genomics, or computational biology.  Prior research experience is not essential.  Underrepresented minority students and women are strongly encouraged to apply. The program runs from June 1 through July 30, 2004.  Participants will receive a $2,000 stipend and a $1,000 research grant for supplies.  Also, room and board on the NYU campus is included.  Additional information and application can be accessed from their website. The application deadline is March 1, 2004.

Mt. Sinai Summer Fellowship Program (SRFP) is designed to increase research opportunities for underrepresented minority and disadvantaged undergraduate students pursuing a career in medicine. By working on current research issues under the close supervision of Mount Sinai faculty, students become knowledgeable in issues pertaining to minority health issues and disparities in health care delivery, while learning new skills. The SRFP is an eight-week summer program offered to undergraduates who are interested in a career in biomedical research or medicine. The program is only offered from June through August. A stipend is provided. For additional information on the program, and application see the SRFP site.

The University of Pittsburgh/Carnegie Mellon University MD/PhD Program's Summer Undergraduate Research Program for Minority Students (SURPMS) is a 10-week summer research and enrichment program for underrepresented minority students interested in careers as physician scientists. The program is designed for students in their freshman, sophomore or junior years of college. Students receive intensive research laboratory experience and abundant mentorship. In addition, students participate in a variety of career development programs, scientific seminars, and specific career enhancement opportunities including preparation for national examinations.
    The brochure and application are available online.  Questions?  Please contact Manjit Singh at 412-648-2324 or email.  Application deadline is February 1, 2004.

Yale University/Biomedical Science Training and Enrichment Program. Each participant of the Biomedical Science Training & Enrichment Program (BioSTEP) works for 10 weeks in the laboratory of a Yale faculty member who serves as the participant's mentor. The research experience also includes weekly seminars and workshops on topics such as "Applying to Graduate and Medical Schools" and Writing for the Sciences", as well as social and cultural events. Research training is offered at no cost to the participant who is also provided with travel to and from New Haven and a stipend of approximately $4,500. The application deadline is February 1, 2007. Applicants will be notified of selection decisions by March 15, 2007. All application materials can be obtained on the BioSTEP website.

Summer Medical and Dental Education Program (SMEP). Our six-week pre-medical student summer program is the Yale Summer Medical Education Program (SMEP). Sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, SMEP offers intensive science enrichment for freshmen and sophomores interested in pursuing a career in medicine. Students attend weekly seminars and workshops as well as social and cultural events. Participants receive a stipend of $500 and a meal/travel allowance to assist in related expenses. The application deadline is March 1, 2007. Applicants are accepted on a rolling admissions basis. The application is online at the website.

UMDNJ Robert Wood Johnson Medical School - The Biomedical Careers Program is an 8-week summer program for economically or educationally disadvantaged undergraduate students interested in the health care fields. Level I is designed for students who have just begun pre-professional studies and have completed at least one year of college including general chemistry, one semester of introductory biology and one semester of introductory math. Level II is designed for students who have completed at least two semesters of general biology, general chemistry and organic chemistry, physics plus one semester of college math. Level III is designed for students who are at or near the point of applying to professional school and have completed nearly all pre-professional science requirements. Applications are processed on a continuing basis beginning November 1, 2007, and will be accepted and reviewed until the program is filled.  Apply early for the best chance of admission.  For additional information, please call (732) 235-4558 or email: BCP-RWJMS@umdnj.edu.

Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons 28th Annual Minority Recruitment Day Conference, "Medical School: Challenges and Opportunities," will be held Saturday, March 1, 2008, 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM. Learn about preparing, applying and attending medical school. Admission is free.  Registration deadline is February 22, 2008. For more information or to register go to the website or call (212)305-4157.

Undergraduate Student Scholars Program, an NIH-sponsored program in the Center for Molecular Studies in Digestive and Liver Disease at the University of Pennsylvania incorporates an organized series of summer lectures and presentations with basic research experience in the laboratory of an expert investigator. The curriculum is designed specifically for undergraduate students with an interest in biomedical research, with the eventual goal of MD, PhD, or MD-PhD degrees. For more information or to obtain an application, go to the website or contact Daphnie Jolly by email or phone (215-898-0850).  Application deadline is February 1, 2006.  Applications from women and members of underrepresented minorities are strongly encouraged.

Intramural NIAID Research Opportunities (INRO) is a program for underrepresented minority students interested in exploring a research career in the areas of allergy, immunology, and infectious diseases. NIAID is seeking qualified applicants for the 5-day program to be held February 2 to 5, 2009, at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland.  Students selected to attend INRO 2007 will learn about the Institute and about training opportunities available at NIAID. They will have the opportunity to listen to scientific lectures by world-renown NIAID researchers, tour Institute laboratories, and interview with principal investigators. The INRO program will pay all expenses for travel, hotel accommodations, and meals. For additional information, visit the NIAID website.  Application deadline is October 15, 2008.

The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has announced its 2006 Pre-Med Enrichment Program for Under-Represented Minority Undergraduate Students. This year's program will be held May 15, 2006 through July 21, 2006. Successful candidates will participate in this 10-week training program, which will include bio-medical research, clinical experiences, classroom instruction and MCAT preparation. Housing and two meals a day (Monday - Friday) will be provided. Participants will also receive a $2,500 stipend.  For additional information go to the website or contact John Craig, M.D. Application deadline is January 31, 2006. The HPA office has a limited number of applications available.

University of Connecticut Health Center in Storrs, Connecticut will hold a 6-week summer program (June 27 to August 5, 2005) for college freshmen and sophomores.  The program is designed to provide sound development of scientific and mathematical skills.  It will consist of 30 hours per week of formal lecture, laboratory, directed study and clinical experiences addressing the needs of the participants.  Room and board and a stipend of $800 will be provided.  Application deadline is February 28, 2005.  For further information or to download an application go to the website or contact Jan Figueroa by email or phone (860-679-3483).  

The Office for Diversity and Community Partnership at Harvard Medical School and the Biomedical Science Careers Program (BSCP) will hold its annual New England Science Symposium at the The Conference Center at Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts on Sunday, March 12, 2006. This symposium gives fellows and students the opportunity to present research projects through oral presentations or poster sessions and to exchange ideas to further career development. For more information or to obtain an application contact Lise Kaye.  

Wake Forest University School of Medicine is offering a Cardiovascular Summer Research Program for Minority Students from June 1 - July 29, 2005. Students will work in state-of-the-art laboratories on projects covering a wide spectrum of activities, from studies of gene expression to cardiac function. Completed applications must be received by February 11, 2005. For additional information and online application go to Wake Forest's website. You may also contact Debra I. Diz, Ph.D. at (336) 716-1080 or email ddiz@wfubmc.edu.  

The Medical College of Wisconsin offers a 10-week research training program for minority undergraduate and medical students. Opportunities and training in the areas of basic and clinical research directed to the causes, prevention and treatment for cardiovascular, pulmonary and hematological diseases will be incorporated in this summer program.  All participants will participate in scientific seminars, workshops, or clinical conferences. The program will be held May 31, 2005 to August 5, 2005.  A stipend of $1,731 per month will be provided.  Application deadline:  March 1, 2005.  For application or further information contact Cassandra M. Mallon at 414-456-8734 or go to the 2005 Summer Research Training Program website.

Hispanic Center of Excellence (HCOE), at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, is a six week program that offers students a unique opportunity to become exposed to the realities and nuances of the medical profession through a one-on-one "shadowship" with a physician. The program includes shadowing a physician in a preferred area of specialty, workshop/lecture participation, and research experience. All students are expected to complete a written project and give a PowerPoint presentation on their project to their peers, family, physician mentors and invited AECOM faculty at the program's all day colloquium and graduation.

Requirements: All students must be either a US citizen or a Permanent Resident; students will be considered if they are from an underrepresented group in medicine and/or have an economically disadvantaged background; must be rising sophomores with at least one year in science; have a GPA of at least 2.5; students must also provide an official college transcript, obtain a letter of recommendation from a faculty member and obtain medical clearance.

Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, Minority Student Summer Research Opportunity Program (MSSROP) - June 11, 2007 to August 9, 2007. A $2,000 stipend will be awarded to students. College sophomores or juniors are encouraged to apply. Criteria for selection include an excellent academic record and strong interest in research. MSSROP will provide students with nine weeks of research experience conducted with a faculty member at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Participants will be introduced to a broad research environment of a major academic medical center as well as to provide training in a specific field of biomedical investigation. Campus housing will be available at no cost for students not able to commute. Deadline for completed applications is March 1, 2007. Applications can be found in the HPA office or you may contact The Office of Diversity Enhancement at Albert Einstein College of Medicine at (718) 430-3091.

UMDNJ Robert Wood Johnson Medical School - Research In Science and Engineering (RISE) Program: RISE is an 8- or optional 10-week undergraduate research experience designed for students considering graduate school and research or teaching careers.  It encompasses all science, math, and engineering disciplines.  Students are matched with faculty mentors, work on independent laboratory projects, and participate in weekly oral/written skills seminars.  RISE offers a stipend, free on-campus housing and travel reimbursement. Rolling admission begins January 15, 2006 and continues until spaces are filled.  Apply on-line.  For additional information, please call (732) 932-7275, or email.  

Stanford School of Medicine, Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP) summer enrichment program - June 25 to August 5, 2006. HCOP targets students who are seriously interested in a career in medicine, medical research, and minority health issues. Competitive candidates must: be from educationally or economically disadvantaged backgrounds, have completed their sophomore or junior year in college (who expect to graduate by 2008), be citizens of, or permanent residents of, the United States. For more information, visit their website or contact Kathryn Fitzgerald.  Application deadline:  March 11, 2006.  

Duke University Summer Research Opportunities Program in the Biological Sciences (SROP) – The goal of this program, for under-represented undergraduate students in the biological sciences, is to attract qualified students into a career in basic research. Students interested in pursuing a PhD or MD-PhD in graduate school would be appropriate for the Duke SROP. Participants are placed in research labs that best match their interests.  Each student works with direct supervision from a faculty mentor in a modern research environment that includes graduate students and postdocs.  There will be a weekly seminar/conference, a workshop on successful application to graduate school, and a closing symposium/poster session. Information and applications can be obtained at http://www.duke.edu/web/srop.  You may also email for additional information.

Duke University Post-baccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP), funded by the National Institutes of Health, is designed for motivated minority students. The program is for graduates who wish to obtain one or two years of research experience and preparation before entering a PhD graduate program in the biomedical sciences.  PREP scholars will work on a research project under the supervision of a Duke faculty mentor . Participants will work in a laboratory with PhD graduate students and/or postdoctoral fellows.  They will take some course work and will participate in other graduate school preparation activities. PREP scholars will receive a stipend similar to that of a graduate student in the biological sciences.  The program is open to underrepresented minorities who have completed their bachelors degree within the last three years and who are US citizens or permanent residents.  Information and application forms can be obtained at the PREP web site, www.gradschool.duke.edu/prep.htm. Applications are accepted with rolling admissions, and the new PREP scholars may begin as soon as possible. Several slots will be opening up next summer for students who complete their bachelors degree at the end of 2003-2004 academic year.

The Headlands Indian Health Careers Program is a summer program designed to increase the science and mathematics backgrounds and communication skills of American Indian students interested in a health career.  The program is aimed at high school seniors and college freshmen and runs from June 4 to July 29, 2006.  Older students may be interested in counselor positions.  For more information and an application, please go to the Headlands Indian Careers Program website or call at 405-271-2250 or email.  Application deadline is March 15, 2006.

Scholarships:

Barbara Jordan Congressional Scholars Program, at Howard University, Washington, D.C. The program will annually provide ten talented, economically disadvantaged college seniors or recent graduates with a 9-week (May 18 to July 27, 2009) summer college internship in a congressional office with major health policy responsibilities.  Scholars receive approximately $5,000 in support, which includes a stipend, daily expense allowance, airfare and lodging.  Candidates must be in their senior year of undergraduate study or have graduated within the last twelve months from an accredited U.S. college or university. Application forms and additional information about the Program are available online.  All application materials are due by December 12, 2008.  For more information, please email bjscholarsinfo@kff.org.

The NIH has an Undergraduate Scholarship Program for Individuals from Disadvantaged Backgrounds who are committed to pursuing a career in health research.