Preprofessional Opportunities

Weill Medical College of Cornell University - Travelers Summer Research Fellowship Program

Details

Category: Summer
Type: Research
Location: New York New York
Deadline: Early February

Eligibility

Must be at least a junior in college. Must have declared as premed student, and completed two semesters of biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and one semester of physics. Preference given to students who average B or above. must have a demonstrated commitment to working on issues with underserved populations within the USA. Must be from one or more of the following groups that are underrepresented in medicine: individuals from racial and ethnic groups shown to be underrepresented in biomedical research; blacks or African Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, American Indians or Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders; iIndividuals from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds; individuals with disabilities (those with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities). Must be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident.

Description

The Travelers Summer Research Fellowship Program is designed to give 25 premedical students deeper insights into the field of medicine, including issues that greatly affect the health of traditionally underserved groups. Through the experiences of laboratory or clinical research, the student learns how one pursues a specific research problem under the supervision of a faculty member, thus providing an early education into basic research techniques that could be applicable to any area of medicine. A lecture series explores topics in cardiovascular physiology, exposing the students to basic science concepts that are relevant to a more specific understanding of hypertension and cardiovascular disease, both of which are major problems in minority communities. The summer fellows attend a series of talks by minority physicians about various medical specialties, addressing issues of concern in these physician's daily work plus views of the bigger picture in health care to minority communities. Shadowing physicians provide further exposure to the clinical facets of medicine. Students in the summer program receive information on the medical school admissions process, and counseling on financial planning for medical school and how to examine the financial aid package.