Purpose
To recognize medical students who demonstrate exceptional innovative thinking and entrepreneurial skills to address health inequities, improve systems of care, and contribute to global health goals as outlined by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
Students who complete all requirements will graduate with a distinction in innovation and entrepreneurship on their medical degree.
Please Note: Students can only graduate with one distinction on their medical degree.
Who Can Apply
MS1 and MS2 students in good academic standing after completing their first semester. It is strongly recommended to join before the end of the second year to ensure that all requirements can be met before graduation.
Program Requirements
Students will successfully complete the following throughout medical school:
- Health Innovation/Entrepreneurship Seminars
- Participation in a total of 8 seminars.
- OR Complete 2 Special Topics courses from an approved list
- OR Attend 4 seminars + 1 Special Topics course from an approved list
- Patient Care
- At least 20 hours of patient-centered innovation research
- Community Service
- At least 20 hours of service and expert engagement
- Mentorship in DIEM
- 8 hours engaged as a mentor and mentee within the program
- Business Proposal
- Students will create a business proposal for an innovative product or service that addresses real-world healthcare challenges, based on research of their choosing
Application
Students may complete the application at any point after completing their first semester of medical school. We request that students either attend the yearly information session held at the end of January, or meet with Dr. Zayzafoon to discuss the program prior to applying.
Only completed applications will be reviewed. In addition to the application questions, you will be required to submit a curriculum vitae/resume.
All applications are reviewed by the committee. All applicants will receive either an acceptance or denial email. The decision by the committee is not reversable.
Selection for interview does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
All communication is by direct email. Please be sure to include the correct email address.
Application Timeline
- Submit application
- Application Review
- Interview
- Acceptance and Offer
Contact
For more details, reach out via email: DIEM@uab.edu