UConn Visiting Externship for Students Underrepresenetd in Medicine (VESUM) – (Application Deadline 04/30/18)
Purpose: The UConn SoM Visiting Externship for Students Underrepresented in Medicine (VESUM) reflects our long-term drive and commitment to reflect the racial and ethnic diversity of the broader community we serve. The immediate objective of this program is to increase the number of students from groups underrepresented in medicine (URiM) participating in fourth-year electives at our institution. The ultimate goal is to increase the number of URiM students applying to and participating in UConn Health graduate medical education programs. VESUM offers a stipend of $1,500 (to cover living and travel expenses) to third-year URiM students from accredited US medical schools to participate in fourth-year externships in the following disciplines: Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Obstetrics/Gynecology, and Surgery.
Eligibility Requirements:
Applicant but fit the AAMC description of URiM: African American, Native American/Alaskan Native, Latino, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
Application Process: A call for applications from will be promoted nationally from March 13 to April 30. The students must complete the VESUM application first. If accepted, then the student must then complete the AAMC Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO) application (formerly known as VSAS – Visiting Student Application Service) for the specific rotation which will be officially start accepting applications as of April 2, 2018.
VESUM application (see attached) – Key components
– Must complete rotation with the months of August through November based on availability.
– Requirement of a letter of recommendation from faculty in the selected specialty
– Curriculum Vitae
– Grades on Core clerkships (Surgery, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, OB/Gyn, Psychiatry). Applicant must complete rotation in the clerkship that correlates with the selected VESUM elective with grade provided in order to be considered. If applying for the Family Medicine Elective and it is not offered at your institution as a clerkship you should have completed the elective in Internal Medicine.
– Official Medical Transcript
– USMLE Step 1 score and Step 2 if available
– Question#1: Please briefly share with us why you are interested in this experience at the University of Connecticut School Medicine.
– Question #2: Given your background and your experiences beyond the classroom, how do they make you a good candidate for this program and will promote diversity efforts at UConn.
– Personal Statement: Explain the basis for your interest in the elective specialty chosen and your career plans for the next 10 years. (Not to exceed one page, single spaced, 12-point font, 1-inch margins, in PDF format, no attachments.)
See Attached: VESUM Flyer (2018)-2.pdf