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Vanderbilt Summer Science Academy

Undergraduate Clinical Research Internship Program

The Vanderbilt Undergraduate Clinical Research Internship Program (UCRIP) gives college students earning a four-year degree the opportunity to participate in both research and clinical patient care at an academic medical center.  This program is designed for students who are interested in a career in medicine.  Participants will complete a research project under the directorship of a research mentor and also directly observe clinical patient care while spending time with residents and attending physicians.

  • The 2024 session will run from the beginning of June through the first week in August, with the Sunday before and Saturday after allotted for moving.

Program

  • Program participants will be required to attend on-site orientation and training prior to beginning their research and clinical experiences.
  • Students will round with a hospital-based general medicine physician team each week.
  • Students will be assigned a research mentor and project by the Program Director. The director will try to place each participant with a mentor in an area of his/her interest as is available.  The project may be either clinical or basic science research.
  • Students will attend weekly seminars to discuss various topics, including medical school admissions, medical student life, medical education, and other issues related to healthcare.
  • Program participants will be required to present their research at the conclusion of the program.

Benefits

  • The program provides each student housing on the Vanderbilt campus for the summer. Information on Vanderbilt summer housing can be found here: https://www.vanderbilt.edu/meetatvanderbilt/academic-intern-housing/
  • Participants will receive a stipend of $1,500. The program does not provide support for travel or meals.
  • Students will have the opportunity to interact socially and academically with students participating in other Vanderbilt Summer Science Academy programs.
  • Disadvantaged students accepted into the program may be eligible for financial assistance.

Eligibility

  • The Program is limited to U.S. citizens (or persons having U.S. Permanent Resident status) earning a  four-year undergraduate degree at an accredited US college or university.
  • Applying students must be a college undergraduate during the summer of the program year.
  • Applying students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or greater on a 4.0 scale.
  • Preference is given to candidates with prior research experience and who have taken advanced science courses.
  • Applying students should have a strong desire to pursue an M.D. degree or a combined M.D./Ph.D. degree.

Application Instructions

The application will include:

  • A brief personal statement which addresses your interests, your qualifications for the program, and how you believe this program will help you achieve your professional goals.
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Uploaded unofficial transcript

The application opens on October 1. The application deadline is February 1, 2024. Click here to start the application through the Vanderbilt Summer Science Academy

Contact

Questions can be emailed to:

  • Fernando Murphy
    Senior Administrative Assistant
    Office for Diversity Affairs
    Email: ucrip@vumc.org