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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 2025 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 deadline is February 1. Click here to start the application through the Vanderbilt Summer Science Academy

Contact

Questions can be emailed to:

  • Fernando Murphy
    Program Manager
    Office for Diversity Affairs
    Email: ucrip@vumc.org