Summer Research & Clinical Programs Open Applications
Key summer programs for pre-meds are now accepting applications. The UMass Chan Medical School is offering a ten-week hands-on biomedical research program. For clinical exposure, NYU’s Department of Emergency Medicine has opened its summer volunteering and outreach programs to undergraduates.
The UMass Chan Medical School's Summer Undergraduate Research Program provides accepted students with a $6,000 stipend for the ten-week experience. The program also covers all travel and housing expenses, removing potential financial barriers for participants. This immersive research experience includes direct mentorship from investigators, professional development events, and culminates in the creation and presentation of a professional research poster. Historically, over 33% of the program's alumni have gone on to pursue MD, PhD, or MD/PhD degrees. NYU's "Project Healthcare" summer volunteer program, founded in 1981 by Dr. Lewis R. Goldfrank, offers an intensive clinical experience of 20-25 hours per week. A significant 92% of its alumni have successfully pursued careers in medicine. Participants in Project Healthcare rotate through various clinical settings at Level 1 Trauma Centers, including adult and pediatric emergency services, the trauma ICU, and operating rooms. The program complements this hands-on work with weekly educational lectures modeled after a medical school curriculum. Admission committees for medical schools view research and clinical experience as important factors in applications. Such experiences demonstrate a commitment to the field and help develop critical thinking skills essential for a medical career and the MCAT. Engaging in these types of programs allows pre-med students to gain a practical understanding of the healthcare system, from the challenges of patient care to the process of scientific inquiry. This exposure can confirm career choices and provide a foundation for future success in competitive medical specialties.
