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If you are thinking of becoming a doctor, physical therapist or any health profession, you come to the right place. These programs will give students an opportunity to develop key clinical skills and important processes to excel on the MCAT and in professional school. You will be able to shadow medical professionals and have the opportunity to gain access to ongoing resources, mentoring and professional networks to support their chosen path. It will help you focus on being a better student and a more competitive applicant to medical school.

These programs are not the only factors that will improve your chances of getting into medical school. You must maintain a high Math/Science GPA (I will discuss in another post), volunteering, MCAT or DAT scores, extracurricular activities and interview skills. For now, apply to some or all of these programs to stand out.  Remember to ask for recommendations early and check for program deadlines.

Premed Programs

Association of American Medical Colleges Summer Programs

Academy for Research, Clinical, and Health Equity Scholarship (ARCHES)             

Academy for Research, Clinical, and Health Equity Scholarship (ARCHES) is a six-week program for ten undergraduate students who are rising juniors and rising seniors interested in pursuing medical studies.

Center for Colon Cancer Research (CCCR) Undergraduate Minority Research Program
The CCCR Undergraduate Minority Research Program aims to foster the progression of young scientists by providing research internships in cancer-related fields (e.g., biological sciences, pharmacy, and public health). In addition to the research experience, participants will attend professional development workshops and research seminars, as well as a summer research symposium at the conclusion of the internship. The program lasts ten weeks and includes a stipend, housing, and travel expenses.

 Charles Ross Summer Research Fellowship or Under-Represented Students (Pharmacology)
This 10-week summer fellowship program was established in memory of Dr. Charles Richard Ross. Participants benefit from full-time research experience under direct supervision of a faculty mentor, and attending lab meetings and department-wide events. Participants receive a stipend of $3,600 for the summer.

Columbia University GETUPP Premedical Program (DEADLINE JUNE 30)

GET-UPP is a free pre-medical mentorship program designed to supplement students’ academic trajectory as they pursue medical school admission.The objective of the program is to guide students in forming the foundation necessary to enhance their candidacy for successful matriculation to medical school.

Columbia University Center for the Study of Science and Religion/Terence Cardinal Cooke Hospital and Medical Center (CSSR-TCC) Summer Internship Program
The CSSR-TCC Summer Internship Program offers summer internships to four students interested in gaining experience assisting one of the most ethnically diverse, vulnerable, and socially marginalized populations in New York. Responsibilities include assisting TCC staff as well as family members and loved ones, participating in unit and facility-wide recreational therapy events, and visiting weekly with an individual patient or resident as a long-term companion. Interns will also have the opportunity to shadow staff members while gaining exposure to today’s healthcare issues surrounding transitions of care, including sub-acute and long-term medical care. Positions are full-time, include a stipend, and require a commitment of ten weeks.

Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health Biostatistics Enrichment Summer Training (BEST) Diversity Program
The BEST Diversity Program weeks to expand and diversify the behavioral and biomedical sciences workforce by introducing students from underrepresented populations to research in the areas of biostatics and cardiovascular and pulmonary disease. Participants undertake an individualized research project with a Columbia University faculty member, attend seminars, and participate in a GRE preparatory course. Participants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The program lasts eight weeks and includes a stipend, housing, and travel assistance.

Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE) Program
The CURE Program introduces students from underrepresented populations to the world of cancer research by placing them in real research settings at local cancer research institutions, in an effort to encourage students to pursue future careers in the biosciences. Participants are assigned an advisor who oversees their research, and will also have the opportunity to attend research and professional development seminars, learn how to navigate scientific papers, and prepare an abstract and final presentation. Participants must be U.S. students or permanent residents. The program lasts ten weeks and a stipend is provided.

Des Moines University Health Professions Advanced Summer Scholars (P.A.S.S.) Program
The P.A.S.S. Program is designed to prepare college sophomores and juniors for applying to and attending medical school and other health professions programs. Health P.A.S.S. will provide students with well-rounded perspectives on what it’s like to be a medical school student in osteopathic medicine, podiatric medicine and surgery, physical therapy, and physician assistant studies. Preference is given to qualified applicants from populations underrepresented in medicine and health care, including under-represented minority, low-income, and/or first-generation college students. The program lasts three weeks and housing, transportation, and meals are included.Diversity Summer Internship Program for Undergraduates (Public Health)

Doctors of Tomorrow (minority) (FL)

The DOT Program is an intensive six-day residential academic premedical summer enrichment program. The primary goal of the program is to increase the number of disadvantaged and underrepresented applicants gaining entrance to medical school.

Duke University Summer Biomedical Sciences Institute (SBSI)
The Duke University Summer Biomedical Sciences Institute (SBSI), formerly the Summer Medical and Dental Education Program at Duke, is a free, six-week summer residential experience for rising sophomore and rising junior premedical college students.

Harvard University Summer Clinical and Translational Research Program (SCTRP) 
SCTRP is designed for students seeking to expand their understanding of and interest in pursuing clinical and/or translational research, Participants will perform research under the guidance of a menor, attend weekly seminars, and attend networking events. Attendees typically come from Minority Biomedical Research Support (MBRS) and Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC) NIH-funded institutions, historically black colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, and/or tribal colleges with baccalaureate degree programs. The program lasts ten weeks and provides a stipend, housing, and travel assistance.

John Hopkins Diversity Summer Internship Program for Undergraduates (Public Health)

The Diversity Summer Internship Program (DSIP) at the Bloomberg School of Public Health is a 10-week summer program that provides undergraduates with a graduate-level, independent research project in the biomedical or public health field.

Keck Graduate Institute Summer Explore MED (CA) deadline June 22

Explore MED is a two-week residential program of classroom and experiential learning to help students investigate what it means to be “premed”. The program is best geared for undergraduate sophomores and juniors, but it’s beneficial for anyone contemplating a career in healthcare. The program also benefits those applying to graduate programs and seek highly personalized advising and support.

Illinois College of Optometry: Focus on Your Future
The Illinois College of Optometry Focus on Your Future program exposes underrepresented, minority undergraduate students to the profession of optometry in a variety of settings. Participants will have the opportunity to meet and work with current optometry students, ICO Faculty & Staff, and practicing optometrists. The program lasts one week and includes housing.

Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP)

The current training program recognizes that the successful physician-scientist training is not simply medical school plus graduate training. The program integrates MSTP-specific courses with medical and graduate courses, during the first two years of preclinical course work. Integration continues in the PhD thesis years through weekly involvement in the MSTP Continuity Clinic and monthly Clinical Pathological Conferences and MSTP Career Paths seminars.

Northeast Regional Alliance (NERA) MedPrep Program
The NERA MedPrep Program provides underrepresented students with the opportunity to develop key skills and competencies important to success at medical school. Students will receive science classes and MCAT prep, as well as clinical exposure from a medical professional. The participating schools are Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and Icahn School of Medicine. The program takes place over three summers.

Northwest Regional Alliance MedPrep Scholars Program
The MedPrep Scholars Program is designed to increase participants’ competitiveness for medical school. The program provides freshman or sophomore college students with enrichment science courses and the opportunity to attend seminars in various medical specialties. Second summer participants also receive free MCAT prep and clinical rotation experiences, while third summer participants are provided with research opportunities on health-related issues affecting underserved communities. The program lasts six weeks.

Ohio State University Improving Diversity in Optometric Careers (I-DOC) Program
The I-DOC Program, which aims to increase the number of under-represented ethnic minority optometrists, is designed to provide information to students about optometry through hands-on experiences. Participants receive instruction in eye anatomy, eye diseases, and vision, and will also learn the basic components of an eye examination, find out about career options within optometry, and have the opportunity to shadow local optometrists or optometry students. The program lasts three days and is offered at no cost.

Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program
The SURF Program is designed to expose students to the challenges, excitement, and satisfaction of performing research. Participants work in an active research lab under the guidance of a faculty member, and are also eligible to receive six hours of tuition-free biology credit. The program lasts seven weeks and includes a stipend and room and board.

Premedical Urban Leaders Summer Enrichment (PULSE) Program
PULSE is an academic enrichment program designed to provide students interested in healthcare exposure to medical professions. Participants receive academic, clincial, research, and service learning opportunities with a focus on urban health needs. Those from groups traditionally underrepresented in medicine and science and/or from financially disadvantaged backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply. The program lasts six weeks and includes a stipend.

Rosenberg School Of Optometry Summer Optometry Institute (SOI) (TX)

Special focus will be on preparing and strengthening the student’s application portfolio for admission as well as developing the necessary skills to be successful in optometry school.  Additional emphasis is placed on fostering mentorship opportunities that can contribute to student success in the health professions.

Sevilleta Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) Experience for Undergraduates Program
The Sevilleta LTER Program offers students, particularly those from underrepresented groups, an opportunity to learn more about the bio-geosciences. Students are trained to conduct independent research at the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge under the guidance of a University of New Mexico Biology and/or Earth and Planetary Sciences faculty mentor. Participants will present their results at a research symposium at the end of the summer. Qualified applicants must be current undergraduate students who will not graduate this spring and must be U.S. citizens. The program lasts 11 weeks and includes a stipend, housing, and travel assistance.

Short-Term Research Experience for Underrepresented Persons (STEP-UP)
STEP-UP provides a hands-on research experience for students interested in exploring biomedical, behavioral, clinical, or social science research. Participants are paired with experienced research mentors at institutions throughout the nation, and will have the opportunity to attend the annual STEP-UP Research Symposium in Bethesda, MD. Students from groups underrepresented in biomedical research are especially encouraged to apply. The program lasts between eight and 12 weeks and includes a stipend.

SKMC Summer Training & Enrichment Program for Underrepresented Persons (STEP-UP) Medicine​ Program (PA)

STEP-UP Medicine is a highly selective, intensive and comprehensive summer enrichment program for students from groups traditionally underrepresented in medicine and from economically disadvantaged backgrounds intending to apply to medical school. The purpose of the program is to expose students to a variety of aspects of medicine and enhance their candidacy for medical school.

Steamboat Foundation Summer Scholar Program
The Steamboat Foundation Summer Scholar Program allows juniors with demonstrated financial need to participate in an internship with Columbia alumnus and New York Mets team physician Dr. David Altchek at the Hospital of Special Surgery. The Scholar will gain experience shadowing Dr. Altchek in clinical consultations and surgical procedures while also contributing to a relevant independent research project. Participants will live and learn with other Scholars from varied academic backgrounds. The program lasts ten weeks and scholars receive a generous financial award, part of which is used to pay for the program.

Summer Medical and Dental Education Program (SMDEP)
SMDEP is an academic enrichment program that provides freshman and sophomore college students with intensive and personalized medical and dental school preparation. The program lasts six weeks and includes a stipend and housing.

SUNY University at Buffalo CLIMB-UP

CLIMB UP (Undergraduate Program) for Summer Research gives students an opportunity to conduct research in the biomedical and health sciences and explore graduate career opportunities. At the end of the program, students will present posters and/or oral presentations in a professional symposium.

University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Research, Observation, Science, and Education (ROSE) Program 
The ROSE Program is part internship, part early acceptance to medical school, and part mentorship, and is designed to provide students with opportunities to connect with University faculty. Participants are matched with a faculty advisor, who they will work with to design a research project. Students must be sophomores or juniors who are residents of Ohio or select Kentucky or Indiana counties. The program lasts for two consecutive summers.

University of Massachusetts Medical School Combined Summer Undergraduate Research Opportunity
The Combined Summer Undergraduate Research Opportunity is designed to provide participants with in-depth exposure to biomedical research. Participants will take part in laboratory research with an investigator serving as a mentor, role model, and advisor, and will also prepare and present a professional research poster. The program lasts ten weeks and includes a stipend, housing, and travel assistance.

University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine Summer Pre-Med Enrichment Program for Under-Represented Minority Students
The Summer Pre-Med Enrichment Program aims to prepare underrepresented minority students for careers in academic medicine or other positions of leadership in medicine. Participants attend lectures given by medical school faculty, receive training in biomedical research, gain clinical experience, and participate in workshops on MCAT preparation and the medical school admissions process. The program lasts ten weeks and includes a stipend and room and board.

Pre-PhD and PhD-MD Programs

California Institute of Technology Amgen Scholars Program
The Amgen Scholars Program provides students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. or M.D.-Ph.D. program—especially those from groups traditionally underrepresented in STEM fields—the opportunity to conduct research in biology, chemistry, and bio-technical related fields under the guidance of seasoned research mentors. Students will have the opportunity to attend weekly seminars, participate in a professional development series, and take field trips. Participants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The program last ten weeks, and includes a stipend, room and board, and travel assistance.

California Institute of Technology Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) Program
The SURF Program introduces students to research under the guidance of seasoned research mentors. Participants will write research proposals, attend weekly seminars, take field trips, and participate in a professional development series. The program lasts ten weeks and includes a stipend and housing allowance.

California Institute of Technology WAVE Fellows Program
The WAVE Fellows Program aims to foster diversity by increasing the participation of students from groups underrepresented in science and engineering Ph.D. programs and making Caltech’s programs more visible and accessible to students not traditionally exposed to Caltech. In addition to the research experience, participants will attend weekly seminars, networking events, field trips, and a graduate school preparation series. Participants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The program includes a stipend and housing allowance.

Duke University School of Medicine Summer Undergraduate Research Program in Pharmacology and Biology (SURPH)
SURPH is designed for juniors who plan on pursuing future Ph.D. graduate work, and focuses on examining how biomedical research discoveries can be translated to the treatment of disease. Participants will work with a faculty member to carry out an independent research project in the Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology at Duke University Medical Center, and will also be exposed to networking opportunities. The program lasts eight weeks and includes a stipend and housing.

Gateways to the Laboratory Summer Program
The Gateways to the Laboratory Summer Program is designed for students who wish to pursue a combined M.D.-Ph.D. program after college. Students conduct independent research at either Weill Cornell Medical College, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, or The Rockefeller University, present and participate in weekly journal clubs, attend workshops, and scrub into surgeries at New York Presbyterian Hospital. Participants must be members of an underrepresented group in medicine and be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The program lasts ten weeks and includes a stipend and travel assistance.

iSchool Inclusion Institute of Information Sciences (i3) Summer Research Program for Undergraduate Students
The i3 Summer Research Program for Undergraduate Students is a research and leadership development program that prepares students from underrepresented populations for graduate study and careers in the information sciences. Participants undertake a yearlong experience that includes two summer institutes hosted by the University of Pittsburgh School of Information Sciences and a research project spanning the year. The program includes a stipend, meal allowance, housing, and transportation.

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine Summer Undergraduate Physician-Scientist-Training Education and Research (SUPER) Program
The SUPER Program is designed for students interested in the biomedical sciences who intend to pursue a combined D.O.-Ph.D. program after college. Participants will work in a research laboratory under the guidance of selected faculty members in the biomedical sciences, shadow physicians in a clinical setting, and attend seminars emphasizing the intersection of science and medicine. Participants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and those from underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply. The program lasts ten weeks and includes a stipend and housing.

Ohio State University Medical Center SUCCESS Program
The SUCCESS Program is designed for students interested in the biomedical sciences who intend to pursue a Ph.D. or M.D.-Ph.D program. Participants will perform laboratory research, receive professional development and ethics training, and have the opportunity to interact with Ph.D. and MSTP students. Participants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and those from underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply. The program lasts nine weeks and includes a stipend, housing, and travel allowance.

Opportunities in Genomics Research (OGR) Undergraduate Scholars Program
The OGR Undergraduate Scholars Program at Washington University is designed for underrepresented students who are interested in learning more about biomedical research and pursuing a Ph.D. in genomics and related fields. Participants will have the opportunity to conduct research in genomics and genetics, as well as in cancer biology, molecular biology, immunology and others. Supplemental activities, such as GRE preparation and career counseling, are also available. The program lasts for eight weeks and includes a stipend and housing. Washington University also offers a one-year OGR Extensive Study Program for upcoming or recent graduates.

University of Cincinnati Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP)
MSTP is designed to offer research training to students with an interest in combined M.D.-Ph.D. training. Under the direction of a faculty advisor, students design a research project within the context of the current research in the advisor’s laboratory, which may result in a student-authored publication. Participants are also teamed with a physician who they may shadow on ward rounds as well as during clinical service and surgery. The program lasts ten weeks and includes a stipend.

University of Michigan Medical Scientist Training Program UM-SMART Summer Program
The UM-SMART Program is designed for students from groups traditionally underrepresented in medicine who are interested in obtaining a combined M.D.-Ph.D. degree leading to a career in medicine focused on basic research relevant to human diseases. Participants will perform full-time research in a faculty laboratory, attend weekly faculty research presentations, shadow physicians, and attend a scientific retreat. The program lasts ten weeks and includes a stipend, housing, and travel assistance.

   Predental Programs

Oral Health America (OHA) Bernard and Kathleen Beazley Summer Internship Program
The Bernard and Kathleen Beazley Summer Internship Program is designed for rising seniors who are pursuing D.D.S., D.M.D., or Master in Dental Hygiene degree. Interns will gain invaluable experience as oral health leaders working with the public to solve some of the nation’s toughest healthcare challenges. By working on specific research projects and communications initiatives, interns will meet dozens of leaders in the oral health world and attend national conferences and meetings. Interns may also apply for post-internship employment with OHA. The internship is paid and lasts 12 weeks.

Summer Medical and Dental Education Program (SMDEP)
SMDEP is an academic enrichment program that provides freshman and sophomore college students with intensive and personalized medical and dental school preparation. Participants will develop their learning skills, explore career options, attend workshops and seminars, and gain some clinical exposure. The program lasts six weeks and includes a stipend, room and board, and limited travel assistance.

UCLA Premedical/Predental Enrichment Program (PREP)
PREP is an academic enrichment program that targets financially disadvantaged students and those from groups underrepresented in medicine, exposing them to the rigors of academic medicine and/or dentistry. Students participate in preceptorships with physicians in clinical and research settings, and are also mentored by accomplished medical students. The program lasts seven weeks and includes a stipend.

Virginia Commonwealth University Summer Academic Enrichment Program (SAEP)
SAEP is designed for students interested in pursuing a career in dentistry, medicine, pharmacy, or physical therapy, and simulates the first year of a health profession program. Participants will attend courses on various subjects including biochemistry, microbiology, and pharmacology, as well as discipline-specific courses or clinical exposure. Participants will also attend learning skills and test-taking workshops, and take part in mock interviews. The program lasts six weeks and includes a stipend and housing.

 Preveterinary Programs

University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Exploration Through Science (VETS) Summer Program
The VETS Summer Program is designed to provide an understanding of the challenges and rewards of a career in veterinary medicine. Participants experience rotations with fourth-year veterinary students in a small animal hospital, in the areas of cardiology, medicine, dentistry, oral surgery, emergency services, and surgery/orthopedics. Participants will also tour the school’s large animal facility. In addition, the program is supplemented by several lectures on public health, toxicology, working dogs, and clinical investigations, as well as special labs in pathology, microbiology, and anatomy. The program lasts five days and scholarships are available.

 Prehealth Programs

Center for Colon Cancer Research (CCCR) Undergraduate Minority Research Program
The CCCR Undergraduate Research Program aims to foster the progression of young scientists by providing research internships in cancer-related fields (e.g., biological sciences, pharmacy, and public health). In addition to the research experience, participants will attend professional development workshops and research seminars, as well as a summer research symposium at the conclusion of the internship. The program lasts ten weeks and includes a stipend, housing, and travel expenses.

Health Leads Volunteer Program
Health Leads seeks students to serve as volunteers in a program that works with clinics serving the poor. Volunteers are responsible for educating patients about social service programs (i.e. food and housing assistance and neighborhood exercise programs). Positions are part-time (at least six hours per week, in addition to weekly sessions and ongoing training), unpaid, and require a commitment of one year. Students are also eligible to apply as Summer Fellows and volunteer for up to 20 hours per week to help redesign the Health Leads program.

Minority Health and Health Disparities International Research Training (MIHRT) Fellowship
MIHRT is for students from underrepresented groups who seek an international research opportunity in global health. The program is a fully-funded 11-week summer program during which fellows will receive training in New York City, and will carry out a research project in one of five countries (Dominican Republic, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Kenya or Swaziland). The program covers all living and travel expenses, and includes a monthly stipend.

North Shore-LIJ Undergraduate Administrative Summer Internship
The North Shore-LIJ Healthcare Management Program is an extensive 8-week internship program in which undergraduate students with a record of outstanding academic achievement and leadership capabilities will gain exposure to the roles and responsibilities of hospital or healthcare administrators. Interns are given unparalleled access to the North Shore-LIJ Health System with the opportunity to work alongside executive professionals in the field of hospital administration, including finance & operations. Beginning with an orientation into the basic operations of running a hospital or service line, the internship experience will quickly evolve into real project work to be completed closely with the North Shore-LIJ team. The Healthcare Management Program is geared towards students with a distinct interest in the healthcare field, but welcomes applications from all students, regardless of their undergraduate major or field of study.

U of Maryland School of Public Health Summer Training & Research (UM-STAR)

The University of Maryland School of Public Health Summer Training and Research (STAR) program is designed to provide traditionally under-represented and disadvantaged undergraduate students with two consecutive summers of a 10-week research training and career development program to enhance their potential to apply for and complete PhD degrees in biomedical and behavioral science relevant to preventing and treating cardiovascular disease.

University of Minnesota School of Public Health Summer Institute in Biostatistics (SIBS)
SIBS is designed for students with an interest in mathematics, statistics, computing, science, or public health research. Participants will attend seminars, take field trips to organizations that hire biostatisticians, and receive advice about applying to graduate school. Participants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The program lasts six weeks and all costs, including travel, housing, tuition, meals, and extracurricular activities, are covered by the program.