Our mission is to support individuals underrepresented in science and medicine (including but not limited to those identifying as racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+, low-income, community college education, and/or disabled) who were unable to find a summer experience due to the pandemic. The goal of VSRP is to address the gap of underrepresented groups in the physician-scientist profession by providing mentorship, community, resources, and research opportunities.
We virtually pair principle investigators and graduate students with pre-graduate trainees with the ultimate aim of encouraging and preparing students to pursue a career as a physician-scientist. Note that there are limited positions and your work will mostly likely be on a volunteer basis.
Applicants should:
- Identify as a URiM
- Have an interest in scientific research and clinical work
- Be a current undergraduate or post-baccalaureate student
- Reside in the U.S.
Also note that if you were selected and participated in VSRP last year, you are not eligible to apply again.
Students will have the opportunity to:
- Complete an 8 week-long project, with the opportunity of extended work
- Engage with physician-scientist leaders through weekly mentorship speaker series
- Connect with members of biomedical student organizations
- Attend and host journal club meetings
- Present at a regional APSA conference at the conclusion of the program
- Form mentorship relationships and a network of supportive like-minded undergraduates
Application process:
- Applications will open on March 15th and close on May 1st, 2021 at 11:59 pm EST.
- We will have an interactive session to support you in the application process. You must have attended or watched the recording found here.
- Resume (recommended: 1 page. No longer than 2 pages).
- Two short-answer responses.
In preparing your application, please visit APSA's Undergraduate Resources page which includes a link to our Resource Packet. This Packet includes a list of online resources, including references for how to write a resume.
The length of each project may vary, but you should plan on committing an average of 20 hours per week. Note that reading research papers and learning more about the field of student count towards these hours. Further, you will be required to attend 3-5 hours of virtual programming per week including speaker series, journal clubs, and social hours.
Dates and Deadlines:
Application opens: March 15th at 11:59 pm EST
Application closes: May 1st at 11:59 pm EST
Application decision: June 1st
Program Start: June 14th
Program End: August 6th
Contacts
Please contact VSRP@physicianscientists.org with any questions