This program is designed to introduce medical students to research opportunities in the Department of Medicine (DOM). Medical students with an interest in medical or health-related research are encouraged to apply for this eight week summer internship program. Selected applicants will identify a mentor among participating faculty members representing each of the eleven divisions of the DOM. The applicant and mentor will design an appropriate research project that will be conducted during the summer between the MS1 and MS2 years. During the summer training period, applicants will be required to attend a weekly seminar series which addresses research ethics, hypothesis generation, human and animal welfare issues, etc. It is expected that each trainee will present results of their research experience as a poster presentation at the Medical Student Research Day and the DOM Trainee Research Symposium in the year following the training period. A stipend of $450/week will be awarded to successful candidates, and $500 will be awarded to the faculty mentor to offset research expenses.

Eligibility Criteria: First year medical students are eligible to apply for 3 available positions.

Application Process: Applications must be submitted by January 15th of each year for consideration of internship appointments during the following summer. The application itself is a two-step process.

Step 1:

Applicants are required to complete the Medical Student Summer Internship Application.

Applications will be reviewed and scored by the Internship Review Committee (IRC). This panel is comprised of physicians and basic researchers representing divisions within the Dept. of Medicine. Recommendations of IRC will be distributed to applicants by January 25th.

Step 2:

Six semi-finalists will be invited to interview with IRC members to discuss research interests and potential faculty mentors. Members of the IRC will provide consultation and direction of students to an appropriate laboratory. Three finalists will be selected. By the end of February, it is expected that successful applicants will meet with faculty mentors to discuss summer research projects. At this time, the applicant and mentor will provide a one page abstract describing the summer training plan and submit this to the IRC by March 15th. Submission of the abstract will be required for final approval of the Internship position.

Participating Faculty