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Pre-Health End of Semester Newsletter

Welcome to the December Premed/Pre-health Newsletter! This “monthly” summary email includes upcoming events tailored to premed/pre-health students. These events may be hosted by MCS, or outside events open to all. In addition, we will make advising announcements via the newsletter, such as upcoming items like course registration advising hours, drop-ins, advising policies, and reminders to engage with application advising resources when the time is right. Please note that this newsletter is a complementary email to the MCS weekly digest you receive based on your subscription preference.

Winter 2025 Advising Schedule
All advising appointments for Fall 2024 have been booked – January availability is now/will continue to be posted throughout the month of December. Please log in to Crimson Careers to book your appointment. See below for further instructions:
 
First-Year Students:
Pre-Health 101 Orientation: If you were unable to attend one of the live Pre-Health 101 sessions, please view the recording of Pre-Health 101 and make sure to complete the virtual attendance form shown at the end. We will continue to provide advising access to first-year students who view the recording and complete the virtual attendance form on a rolling basis. Please anticipate an instructional email after submitting the form.
 
Scheduled Appointments:
Activated first-years, sophomores, juniors, seniors, and alumni:
Activated first-years, sophomores, juniors, seniors, and alumni can book a 30-minute premed/pre-health appointment with Oona Ceder or Rob Harrington.
First-years and Sophomores: Students with last names A-L are assigned to Rob Harrington and should continue to book with him. Students with last names M-Z are assigned to Oona Ceder and should continue to book with her.
Juniors, seniors, and alumni: Please book your appointment with the premed/pre-health advisor you previously met with (if you met with Emiko Morimoto in the past, please book your next appointment with Rob Harrington). 
 
Weekly Premed/pre-health drop-ins are offered on Wednesdays from 2:00 to 3:00pm ET and on Thursdays from 3:00 to 4:00pm ET until December 18, 2024. Premed/pre-health drop-ins are 10-minute phone or Zoom drop-in appointments with the MCS premed/pre-health advisors. Log into the drop-in queue at the start of the drop-in hour (password mcs1). You will be prompted to enter your phone number or a Zoom meeting link after you are logged in to the queue.
Drop-ins will resume Wednesday, January 22nd.
For a full breakdown of our advising schedule, see our MCS pre-health homepage.

Gaining Traction in Pre-Health Resources 
Slides and resources from the Clinical Experience, Research, and Summer Planning panels are now available in this folder.

Planning to Apply in Summer 2025? 
Those planning to submit an application in summer 2025 for matriculation in 2026 should be aware of the following:
MCS Application workshops began last month with Navigating the Medical School Application Process. More will follow in the Spring covering topics like Personal Statement, School List, and more.


Those that did not attend live should ensure they have completed the attendance form shown at the end. All potential applicants should complete the Intent to Apply form shown at the end if they believe they will be submitting this summer.


Sign up for the MCS Applicant Listserv to receive the latest updates on the upcoming 2025-2026 application cycle as well as event reminders!


Bookmark and browse the MCS “Applying to Medical School” website to gain a better understanding of application requirements.


Remember to review your eligibility for the AAMC Fee Assistance Program!
The AAMC Fee Assistance Program offers many benefits, including reduced registration fees for the MCAT exam and MCAT Official Prep Products. If approved for fee assistance, you will receive a reduced registration fee for MCAT exams and the MCAT Official Prep Online-Only Bundle, which includes all online MCAT Official Prep products. There is also an opportunity to receive financial assistance for an updated evaluation to support an application for MCAT exam accommodations. For more information and instructions on how to apply, please visit aamc.org/accombenefit. Make sure you apply and receive approval for the AAMC Fee Assistance Program before registering for the MCAT exam, as benefits are not retroactive. Learn more about the AAMC Fee Assistance Program benefits and eligibility requirements.  


Looking to Apply for MCAT Testing Accommodations?
It is important to apply early for accommodations due to lengthy review processes and the gathering of required documentation. Read more on the AAMC website.


Interested in a Pre-Dental path?
Let the Harvard Undergraduate Pre-Dental Society know that you’re interested in joining by completing their interest form.
 
Interested in a Pre-Veterinary path?
The Harvard College Pre-Veterinary Society unites pre-vet students and anyone interested in animals and conservation. This community provides a welcoming space to learn about the field and its various careers through mentoring, seminars, school visits, and information about possible internship and shadowing opportunities. We hope to promote awareness of animal healthcare and support students in their future applications and endeavors. The interest form can be completed here.

MCAT Book Drive!
In collaboration with HUPS Community Care Collaborative, MCS hosts a library of donated MCAT books for student use. Loans will be provided for Fall, Spring, or summer study periods and be distributed at the beginning of each study block. Donate now to help make healthcare education more accessible! Just fill out this 30 second form and reach out to premed@fas.harvard.edu to donate your books/study materials to your peers.
For those looking to borrow books from the lending library, please complete the linked form and anticipate a follow-up message from MCS. Please be aware that all books are currently checked out for Fall 2024.

Summer Opportunities 

We keep a live document of pre-health summer opportunities for you to browse at your convenience. This document was recently updated and has links to dozens of relevant opportunities hosted by Harvard and other institutions around the nation. Start your planning now! 

Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) Application is Open!
The Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) is a national program funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation with direction and technical assistance provided by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and the American Dental Education Association (ADEA).
We Support College Students
SHPEP is a free summer enrichment program focused on improving access to information and resources for college students interested in the health professions. SHPEP’s goal is to strengthen the academic proficiency and career development of students from economically or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds and those with demonstrated interest in issues affecting underserved populations to prepare them for a successful application and matriculation to health professions schools. Students from backgrounds underrepresented in the sciences are encouraged to apply. SHPEP, formerly known as the Summer Medical and Dental Education Program (SMDEP), expanded in 2016 to include a broader array of health professions.

Columbia-WHO Center for Global Mental Health 2025 Summer Internship Program
As part of our ongoing commitment to equity and diversity, we hope to expand our outreach to students who are underrepresented in the field of global mental health. Along with high quality multidisciplinary training and dedicated mentorship, we are pleased to provide a stipend for students if they are unable to obtain funding from their university.
Our 2025 Summer Internship Program application is now open and can be accessed on our website. The deadline for applications is January 31, 2025, 5pm EST. 
Should you or your students have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our team at info@ccgmh.org.

UMass Chan Medical School Summer Undergraduate Research Program 
A non-credit, ten-week, structured research experience. The program consists of “hands-on” laboratory research with an investigator serving as a mentor, role model and advisor.
The Summer Undergraduate Research Program is funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the UMass Chan Provost’s Office.
Goals
The program is designed to provide participants in-depth exposure to biomedical research. Participants will develop career-building connections with faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and peers. The program encourages participants to consider biomedical research as a viable career choice. Over 33% of former participants have subsequently pursued MD, PhD, or MD/PhD training.
Why should I apply?
Immersive experience preforming cutting edge research in a broad range of topic areas including: Cancer Biology, Immunology & Infectious Disease, Neuroscience, and Bioinformatics.
Summer Research Fellows receive a $6,000 stipend. Stipends are paid to participants in three payments over the ten-week program.
Travel and housing are paid for and arranged by the program.
Participants engage in networking sessions with UMass Chan leaders, faculty, and trainees.
Participants prepare and present a professional research poster. Poster may be subsequently presented at national scientific conferences.
How to apply
Complete the SURP online application here which must include the following upload documents:
A personal statement (1-2 pages) describing your reasons for participating in this program, any challenges that you have overcome during your academic journey, and the importance of equity and inclusion in the biomedical sciences.
A current resume
A copy of a current unofficial transcript, as well as unofficial transcripts from any previously attended undergraduate institutions.
Two letters of recommendation (uploaded by recommenders).
Your application along with all supporting documents must be completed by March 3, 2025 

Mass General Brigham-Harvard Medical School-TechFoundation Remote Data Science 2025 Summer Internship Program (national/virtual)
 
TechFoundation in partnership with Mass General Brigham Hospital will be offering their 5th year of a Remote Data Science Internship, giving bright, aspiring life science students the opportunity to experience medical research and apply data analytical skills to real-world medical research. Participants are paired with top-tier PIs and over the course of 8–10-weeks, work remotely on medical research projects. Projects will include data validation, analysis, and project management and will directly relate to research for publication in peer-reviewed medical journals.  
A $5000 stipend is provided, as well as IRB training and certification, and online training in data science analytics.  This opportunity is targeted to rising seniors or graduate students in STEM programs.
 
Applications are currently being accepted on Handshake.  If you have any questions or need additional information, please don’t hesitate to review our website, www.brighamtechfoundation.org .
 
Applications are currently being accepted on Handshake on a rolling basis (Job #9368378, “Mass General Brigham-Harvard Medical School-TechFoundation Remote Data Science 2025 Summer Internship Program (national/virtual)”) and close on January 6, 2025.

Harvard/MIT MD-PhD Summer Program
The Harvard/MIT Equitable Access to Research Training (HEART) MD-PhD Summer Program was established by Harvard/MIT MD-PhD students in 2022 in response to a need for increased diversity in the physician-scientist career path. The HEART Program is a fully-funded summer program for undergraduate students interested in pursuing MD-PhD training. It is a track of the Summer Honors Undergraduate Research Program. Students from backgrounds underrepresented in medicine—broadly defined—are especially encouraged to apply.
 
Program Highlights
Over the course of ten weeks, HEART Scholars will:
Live with other HEART/SHURP Scholars in the Longwood Medical Area of Boston, MA
Work on a research project under the mentorship of a Harvard faculty member
Learn how to prepare oral, written, and poster presentations of their research
Present a poster at the Leadership Alliance National Symposium
Present an oral presentation at the Annual SHURP Symposium
Gain longitudinal mentorship with HEART Program leadership and a current MD-PhD student mentor
Participate in weekly seminars and workshops
Shadow clinicians at Harvard teaching hospitals
Gain hands-on experience in clinical simulations and skills workshops
Financial Support:
HEART Scholars receive a competitive stipend (typically $5,000), housing near the Harvard Medical School campus, and reimbursement for travel expenses to/from Boston.
Important Dates:
Applications for the HEART Summer Program must be submitted before February 1, 2025. The 2025 program will be 9 weeks and run from Sunday, June 8 to Saturday, August 9.
Any further inquiries should be directed to mdphdheart@hms.harvard.edu – we would love to hear from you!

NYU Langone Health Summer Opportunities
Emergency Medicine Department
All of our volunteer and outreach programs take place within our designated NYU Langone Health Level 1 Trauma Centers. NYU Langone Health has seven Emergency Departments across all five boroughs, with over 600 healthcare locations across New York City. Our Emergency Departments see over 500,000 annual patient visits and employ more than 400 Emergency Medicine providers. Our hospitals are teaching hospitals, meaning that our mission is not only to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients, but also in the lives of our students, trainees, volunteers and the larger NYC community through excellence in clinical care, education, and research. To this end, our volunteers truly have a robust, immersive, and diverse experience.
Programs
Project Healthcare
The Project Healthcare (PHC) program is one of the most competitive and attractive programs in the nation offered to a collegiate pre-health population. Our most popular program, PHC is offered in Manhattan (NYC Health+Hospitals/Bellevue) and Brooklyn (NYU Langone Hospital–Brooklyn). 
As a member of Project Healthcare, volunteers are given the unique opportunity to play a prominent role in patient care in our most active Emergency Departments. Founded in 1981 by Dr. Lewis Goldfrank, our program has seen 92% of its alumni achieve careers in medicine, with many past participants gaining acceptance into some of the most prestigious medical institutions in the nation (including NYU Grossman School of Medicine itself). Many of these individuals continue to cite their experiences in Project Healthcare as transformational, fostering the motivation and dedication that propelled them throughout their careers. For our volunteers, interactions with individual patients tend to be signally meaningful, as many express their deep appreciation of the stories, narratives, and trust that patients share with them.  
Through hands-on experience, our volunteers are given the opportunity to explore the reality of a career in medicine. Volunteer participants are meant to be patient advocates by providing patient support during procedures, comforting family members and loved ones, and establishing consequential relationships with patients. Patient advocacy also directly translates to providing food, water, blankets, and clothing to patients, as well as to tasks such as making stretchers, interpreting on behalf of non-English speakers (either by way of certification or translational equipment), assisting with undressing patients, or stocking and preparing medical equipment. In addition to interaction with residents, attending physicians, RNs and NPs, our volunteers engage in meaningful conversation with hospital janitorial staff, patient care technicians, behavioral health assistants, and certified nursing assistants; volunteers gain an understanding of the breadth of personnel necessary to operate an Emergency Department.
In addition to Emergency Medicine, all participants rotate through other specialties, facilitating patient care in the Operating Room, Cardiac Catheterization Lab, Triage, Urgent Care (Fast Track), and Safety Net Clinic. They also spend time with ED Social Work staff in an effort to grasp the nuanced social needs of the diverse patient population at Bellevue Hospital and NYU Langone Hospital – Brooklyn. 
Additionally, our volunteers attend mandatory community engagement events, participate in a medically relevant curriculum composed of informative lectures and a climate medicine course, and also research and assemble a scholarly presentation for departmental leadership. Our program aims to bridge clinical experiences with classroom learning.
Health Career Opportunity Program
Founded by Howard A. Rusk, MD, and sponsored by the Wallace Foundation, the Health Career Opportunity Program (HCOP) has graduated approximately 5,700 volunteers throughout its 50-year history. Offered in partnership with Rusk Rehabilitation, this program is unique in that it offers volunteers the opportunity to explore the field of Emergency Medicine, Emergency Medicine-related rotations, and finely curated program activities.
HCOP provides volunteers with hands-on observational clinical experience and exposure to various health professions across the larger New York City area. The program takes a holistic approach to the Emergency Medicine field and includes rotations in complementary areas. Volunteers can expect to spend each weekday morning clinically observing in an Emergency Medicine rotation or another specialty, such as: Surgery, Pediatrics, Social Work, Internal Medicine, Stroke Care, Orthopedics, Virtual Urgent Care, Dance Medicine, and Sports Medicine. The afternoons comprise mandatory Health Career Opportunity Program lectures, small group discussions, and MCAT preparatory classes. Volunteers integrate with and work alongside multiple emergency care team members including physicians, physician assistants, residents, fellows, nurses, medical students and other volunteers. The breadth of shadowing opportunities across several departments and geographical locations within HCOP affords volunteers an exceptional experience. As a participant in this program, volunteers are expected to travel to various health centers in neighborhoods around New York City (including, but not limited to, Hell’s Kitchen, Cobble Hill, Sunset Park, the Financial District, Kips Bay, and Midtown West).
Research Associate Internship 
The Research Associate Internship grants students an opportunity to experience and observe multiple aspects of clinical research. Research Associates develop basic research skills and become an integral part of research projects and grants. Research Associates may be taught to collect and enter data and maintain databases, participate in laboratory meetings, and gain Principal Investigator mentorship and shadowing experiences. Research Associates also become oriented to the Institutional Review Board process for human subjects research. The current study seeking Research Associate candidates is the Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral to Treatment, Opioid Education, and Naloxone Distribution (SBIRT-OEND) study.
The SBIRT-OEND study is a clinical initiative that takes place in the Emergency Department at Bellevue Hospital. The goal of SBIRT-OEND is to identify and deliver early intervention and treatment services to patients who screen positive for substance use, as well as to those who are at risk of developing a substance use disorder. SBIRT-OEND screens patients for substances such as alcohol, tobacco, and a variety of drugs. Patients’ severity of substance use is assessed and a tailored brief intervention is provided (Research Associates receive training in how to conduct brief interventions). Patients who use, have used, or know individuals who use opioids are offered a Naloxone kit aimed to counteract the effects of an opioid overdose. Research Associates may also be trained in administering Naloxone themselves. These services are provided in addition to the regular services patients receive while in the Emergency Department.
Research Associate responsibilities include: screening and interacting with patients using an approved script to identify those at risk, assisting Emergency Department staff with patient care, identifying risky substance use among patients and providing them with appropriate intervention (through opportunistic identification designed to find and aid those not seeking help for their substance use disorder, and preventative identification, meant to reduce the likelihood that risky users will become substance dependent) and assisting with all other responsibilities assigned.
Applications
All programs require completion of a program application, submission of a personal statement, a current resume, and two letters of recommendation. Please note that no particular previous experiences are required. Each year, in selecting our volunteers, we look for a diverse group of applicants with equally diverse interests and experiences. More information on how to apply can be found here, while pertinent program dates are listed below. All interviews will be held virtually.

Information Sessions
To learn more about our programs, feel free to join one of our virtual information sessions on December 20, 2024 (3:00PM – 4:30PM), or January 10, 2024 (11:00AM – 12:30PM). To register for either event, please complete this Google Form. If you (as a student or university representative) would like to be added to the department’s mailing list to receive further details about our volunteer programs, please complete this form.

 Gap Year Opportunities


Join Respite Innovation Program for Dementia Patients
Hebrew SeniorLife, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, is a national senior services leader uniquely dedicated to rethinking, researching, and redefining the possibilities of aging. Through the integration of senior living and health care, Hebrew SeniorLife supports the well-being of more than 4,500 seniors daily across seven campuses throughout Greater Boston.
Hebrew SeniorLife’s new innovative respite care program, funded by the Alzheimer’s Association grant, is seeking dedicated pre-med or healthcare-focused students to join our team as Home Health Aides. In this role, you will receive training and certification as a Home Health Aide, and provide high-quality respite care to individuals with dementia, offering support and relief to their families and caregivers. The program is designed to provide compassionate, in-home care for individuals with dementia while offering valuable clinical experience for pre-med and healthcare-focused students. As a Home Health Aide, you will play a crucial role in supporting families and gaining hands-on experience that will prepare you for a future in healthcare.
Why Join?
Get hands-on experience in patient care.
Contribute to the community by helping families in need.
Receive paid training and certification as a Home Health Aide. (In-person training available on weekends)
Strengthen your medical school application with letters of recommendation from families and program coordinators.
Development of compassionate care skills crucial for your future career.
Competitive Pay and flexible hours to accommodate schedules. (Typical weekly hours could range from 2-4 visits/week, 8-20 hours)
 
How to Apply:
Visit Link Home Health Aide Respite Innovation Program
Application Deadline: Hiring is on a rolling basis, the position will be open for one year
Contact: lingdahou@hsl.harvard.edu for more information


MedServe Fellowship Program
MedServe places future physicians in “rock star” primary care clinics across rural and other medically underserved communities in North Carolina. As Fellows, students work in both a clinical role (e.g., as a medical assistant) and a community role (e.g., as a health coach). We currently have 71 Fellows serving across the state. Please find more details on our website: www.med-serve.org .
 

Upcoming Info Sessions
12/17/24 at 5:00pm PST
1/28/24 at 5:00pm PST

Behavioral Health Service Corps
Are you a passionate, service-minded individual? Are you interested in a career in mental health? Take the next step in your professional and educational journey and join the Behavioral Health Service Corps℠.
We’re looking for talented college graduates who desire to work in underserved communities and make a difference in the lives of others. You’ll gain hands-on experience, earn a salary, and get credit toward your master’s degree. 
The Behavioral Health Service Corps℠ (BHSC) is a paid year-long service and learning opportunity for college graduates, which provides a guaranteed entry-level job experience in behavioral healthcare along with credits towards a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. BHSC Scholars spend the year becoming familiar with the work of behavioral healthcare, understanding the needs of different populations, and receiving mentoring in becoming professionals in this field. The mentoring component is provided by mental health professionals and faculty. In addition, Scholars engage in a process of personal introspection that facilitates their personal and professional development.

Project Horseshoe Farm Community Health Fellow
In 2009 we created a pioneering educational grant supported Community Health Gap Year Fellowship for top recent college graduates from across the country. We subsequently added Internships for top undergraduate, masters, post-baccalaureate, and health professions students.
Working as teams and with ongoing teaching and mentorship, Fellows and Interns participate in and learn from Horseshoe Farm’s innovative 6 pillar approach to helping our vulnerable neighbors, strengthening community health, and preparing tomorrow’s community health and citizen service leaders. Fellows and Interns:
Volunteer in our signature “health partners” program, working with health providers and other community organizations to extend relational and community support to seniors, adults living with mental illness, and other vulnerable or isolated individuals.
Volunteer in youth programs, including with top-notch after school programs and in local schools to help small groups of students. 
Help develop and lead programs at local community centers for seniors, adults living with mental illness, or other vulnerable or isolated adults.
Volunteer with local supportive housing programs and nursing homes.
Live and learn in one of our three wonderful partner communities (Greensboro, AL, Perry County, AL, and Pomona, CA) while participating in and learning from Horseshoe Farm’s integrative three level approach to community engagement.
 Develop and grow as community health and citizen service leaders through real world experiences, experiential learning, and ongoing teaching, mentoring, coaching, readings, discussions, and reflection.  
These efforts all contribute to Horseshoe Farm’s steadfast mission to work with and build on the strengths of local communities, improve the health and quality of life of our vulnerable neighbors, and prepare community health and citizen service leaders for tomorrow’s communities. Please join us.

Stetson Lee Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Gap Year Internship
Stetson Lee Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine is looking to hire recent college graduates and aspiring doctors for their year-long, paid internship program. This internship is designed to provide practical experience to college graduates bound for medical school.
Interns work directly with the physicians and will learn how to take medical histories, document patient present illnesses, review X-ray and MRI results from in-office machines, and to synthesize information into possible diagnoses. Interns will also complete administrative tasks.
Interns will also have the opportunity to attend both arthroscopic and open surgery of the shoulder, knee, elbow, hip, and ankle, as well as engage in ongoing research projects with the goal of publishing their projects in peer-reviewed journals.
Position Requirements:
Must have recently graduated from a university (Class of 2024 included) 
Must have taken the MCAT
Planning on attending medical school
Interest in orthopedics a plus
Time Commitment
Full-time, with a 1 year commitment from late May 2025. Applicants who will have taken the MCAT before May 2025 and can start by May 19, 2025 will be preferred. 
Compensation
TBD
Apply
To apply, please complete the application form linked here to be considered for an interview.

Advanced Dermatology/Capital Dermatology Bridge Year Program
The Advanced Dermatology/Capital Dermatology BY Program is entering its 21st year this coming May 2025. The program has been impactful for over 200 students since its inception in 2005.  95% of the BY students go on to further education in Medical and PA schools after graduating from the program.
The benefits of the program are extraordinary and endless but it is worthy to list a few of the attributes below:
Mentoring by a team of Physicians and PA’s all committed to furthering the education of the BY student
Cohort of over 25 students working together throughout the year 
Hands-on surgical experience with multiple providers
Extensive patient connections with hundreds of interactions per week
Education sessions with the providers after patient hours to understand the day’s encounters
Electronic Medical Records exposure and fluency
Outside office activities with the providers and peers including book groups, hiking, and pickleball, just to name a few.  All of these activities serve to foster a strong team experience.
The program leads to a lifetime of memories, educational experiences, and a set of friends for years to come. If interested, please email your CV/Resume to bridgeyear@gmail.com. We will begin the hiring process in early January.
A full description of the program is on our website is adcsbridgeyear.com. If you have any questions about the program, feel free to reach out.

Full-Time Research Positions in Neurodevelopmental Disorders at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
NEUROBEHAVIORAL TREATMENT DISCOVERY LAB
FULL-TIME RESEARCH POSITIONS AVAILABLE FOR NEW AND RECENT GRADUATES
The goal of our research group is to understand causes and advance novel, personalized treatment approaches for fragile X syndrome and related neurodevelopmental disorders. Our current laboratory and clinic-based research projects focus on human biomarker development as well as increasing successful outcomes through clinical research and treatment in young children, youth and adults impacted by fragile X and related disorders. Projects with individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders include clinical measures of behavior and cognitive ability, neuroimaging studies of brain development using Electroencephalography (EEG), functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS), electroretinography (ERG), and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and medication treatment trials. In our translational neuroscience bench lab, we use novel human blood protein, RNA, and DNA (long read sequencing) analyses to better understand the pathophysiology of fragile X and related disorders. Our overall projects frequently focus on integration of human and animal and other bench research in order to identify potential treatment targets and biomarkers of treatment response. Our lab collaborates with many top neurodevelopmental research programs conducting bench-to-bedside studies across the United States and the world.
We are currently hiring research staff members for both our human clinical research projects and in our basic science labs. These positions are varied, but generally require a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, biology, computer science, psychology, or related field, and are for a minimum of 2 years. Successful applicants are bright, motivated post-baccalaureate students with a passion for research, neuroscience and neurodevelopmental disorders.
INTERESTED IN WHAT WE DO?
CONTACT US AT JENNIFER.COMBS@CCHMC.ORG
PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR RESUME OR CV FOR CONSIDERATION

BWH Rheumatology Clinical Research Coordinator
General Summary                                                                             
We’re looking for a motivated, organized clinical research coordinator (CRC) to join our clinical research team in the Brigham and Women’s Hospital Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation & Immunity. This position provides an opportunity to engage in a dynamic clinical research setting and is ideal for candidates interested in pursuing careers in medicine, clinical research, or public health. The CRC will have the unique opportunity to spearhead a multi-site randomized clinical trial and to be the co-author of publications for projects that s/he contributed to. The CRC will work under the supervision of one Principal Investigator (PI), Dr. Sara Tedeschi.
On a day-to-day basis, the CRC will be responsible for coordinating and carrying out study-related activities such as, but not limited to: recruiting and following study subjects in clinical studies; writing and submitting IRB protocols, consent forms and amendments; performing medical record searches and reviews; data collection and organization; arranging research meetings; conducting in-person study visits; conducting telephone surveys.
In addition to ongoing one-on-one support with Dr. Tedeschi, the CRC can expect mentorship and shadowing opportunities within the MGB network. The CRC will interact with 40+ rheumatologists in clinic and will attend weekly meetings with members of the section of clinical sciences consisting of 9 faculty members and 17 CRCs.
We are looking for at least a 2-year commitment starting in May or June 2024 for this full-time position (40 hours/week). The research assistant will primarily work on-site to facilitate study visits and other research-related activities. Remote work is possible on an as-needed basis upon discussion with the principal investigator.
Major Responsibilities
Recruiting study subjects from clinic and/or virtually, and interacting with physicians, patients and other clinical staff.
Contacting and collecting data on subjects in clinical research studies.  This may include leading in-person clinical trial study visits and administrating study questionnaires in person or by phone. 
Drafting, collecting and implementing questionnaires, surveys, interviews and other instruments as needed for research projects under supervision.
Maintaining samples in freezers and liquid nitrogen tanks, tracking of samples, freezer inventory/organization
Contributing to the development of the methods and design of studies (recruitment strategies and data collection protocols). 
Facilitating study visits including greeting the patient, setting up the research room, and accompanying the subject through the hospital for study procedures. Filing patient reimbursements after study visits.
Performing medical record review to identify potential subjects based on study criteria, and/or to collect data for research studies. 
Coding and entering data according to written protocols; making recommended changes to protocol when appropriate. 
Maintaining organized and accurate up-to-date records/database on all research subjects.   
Contributing to writing progress reports, regulatory reports for institutional review board approval, human subjects’ annual reviews, and development and revision of instruments, and preparation of graphics.
Assisting with the production and mailing of newsletters to study participants, development of web content, and online project communication.
Participating in manuscript writing by providing study details such as recruitment and data collection protocol details.  Providing investigators with current references.  Researching the literature and following up on specific requests from research staff.
Communicating regularly with the PIs and research team about all aspects of the research studies.
Performing all other related duties and assignments as required.
 
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree
Proficiency in writing; excellent verbal and written communication
 
To apply: reach out to Dr. Tedeschi and her current research assistant, Muneet Gill, by email to indicate your interest: 
stedeschi1@bwh.harvard.edu
mgill4@bwh.harvard.edu

Gastro Health Medical Assistant Gap Year Program
From a Harvard alumni:
This is an incredible opportunity to work directly with patients. Medical assistants at Gastro Health take patient vitals, medical histories, conduct breath tests and FibroScans, work with insurance companies, and help schedule patients. My favorite part has been the connections I’ve made with providers in the clinic. They have helped me and supported my application for medical school immensely. 

Additional Opportunities

Clinical
MCS keeps a running list of clinical volunteering sites in the Cambridge/Boston area. On our Getting Experience page, you can find this information under “Clinical Volunteering”.

Research 
Undergraduate Science Education Research Opportunities and Funding
A standing list of summer and term-time Harvard research opportunities on campus and abroad.
Research Advising.
Research Transportation Funding
Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships
The Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (URAF) serves Harvard College students as well as faculty and administrators across the university as the primary source of information about undergraduate research and prestigious scholarships at Harvard and beyond.
URAF Conference Funding
The URAF conference funding program supports Harvard College undergraduate students in presenting their original, independent research (poster or paper) at an academic conference. Awards are available year-round with a rolling deadline to apply for funding. Undergraduate students from all concentrations are encouraged to apply.

Community Engagement
Center for Public Service & Engaged Scholarship
The hub and department that provides support for all public service efforts at Harvard College.
Philips Brooks House Association
The largest student-run, community-based, nonprofit public service organization at Harvard College.

Join the Health Fluency Project as a Project Lead
Are you interested in healthcare, language equity, immigrant and refugee advocacy, and/or community building? If so, consider joining The Health Fluency Project!
 
The Health Fluency Project is a student-led organization that seeks to provide English language learners and their communities with the knowledge and resources to access and effectively navigate the healthcare system. Through educational workshops, open-access written content, and partnerships with community-oriented health organizations, we seek to empower individuals to become fluent in the language of healthcare, empowering them to effectively communicate with their healthcare providers, now and into the future.
 
Since our establishment in May 2023, we have worked with several communities in the Boston area, hosting 20 workshops with over 215 attendees. We have also developed multilingual pamphlets and advocated for policy measures to support language equity efforts, with our open access pamphlets reaching over 3,500 individuals across 46 countries. Recently we have been featured on the Health Literacy Out Loud podcast and on the Health Literacy Solutions Center in our efforts pioneering the implementation of AI tools in our workshops.
 
We have recently received requests from several local libraries, ESOL classes, community centers, and immigrant assistance centers who are looking to partner with us to implement our workshops at their sites. We are currently recruiting for Project Leads to develop connections with these community partners to host workshops on topics in health communication and health literacy, targeting ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) students. 
 
If you are interested in joining the team as a Project Lead, please fill out our application. We consider and select applicants on a rolling basis until we can match each partner with 1-2 Project Leads, so please apply early if you are interested in working with us! Please reach out to beiernelson@college.harvard.edu or adityatummala@college.harvard.edu if you have any questions.

Learn more about our work at www.healthfluencyproject.org .

Professional Development

Join Northwestern MD/PhD Program for January 2025 Virtual Information Session!
Interested in learning about the MD/PhD application process from current students? Sign up for the Northwestern University MSTP’s virtual information session on January 15th at 6:30pm CT.  Register here!
 

ATTENTION UNDERGRADUATE PRE-HEALTH STUDENTS:
 
The HMS course, “Social Change and the Practice of Medicine” from Professors Wee Chua MD MPH and Kristen Shanahan MD MPH, is open for registration to Harvard College students. They “truly love having the Harvard College students in the class” and all Harvard College students interested in the course subject are welcome and invited to cross-register for this HMS class.
Winter/Spring HMS 2024 course announcement: 
Registration for Social Change and the Practice of Medicine is now open. The course is open to all Harvard College undergraduates via cross registration petition in my.harvard. For any questions about registering, please contact HMS registrar Ben Sternbaum (Ben_Sternbaum@hms.harvard.edu).  For any questions about the course, please contact Dr. Wee Chua (wchua@mgh.harvard.edu).
 
ME727.0 – Social Change and the Practice of Medicine
Harvard College students interested in medicine, social justice and/or public health are invited to cross-register for a Harvard Medical School course focused on how the practice of medicine has influenced social change. The course will meet in 2025 on Fridays from February 7 – April 4 from 1-3pm at Harvard Medical School (Tosteson Medical Education Center, 260 Longwood Ave, room 209-mini amphitheater). This lecture and discussion-based course will be graded pass/fail. The only assignment is a 2-3 page paper on a health and social justice related topic of your choice, due by April 4.  **Please note this time frame crosses over into Harvard College spring term, so check for any class conflicts.**
 
Course description:
The school shooting in Uvalde, TX, is a recent example of how traumatic events can lead to movements of social change. Historically, social change has been an important part of large-scale public health efforts, and often this has been driven by those in the practice of medicine. Physicians and other clinicians have historically been important advocates for social change to improve public health. For example, a pediatrician developed the child-proof cap to prevent lethal ingestions of aspirin by children. A physician was a leader in the movement towards safer cars and roads to decrease injuries and deaths from motor vehicle crashes. This 2 month elective seminar course will illustrate through expert faculty speakers and active class discussion how public health initiatives have been driven by social change, which have been and continues to be associated with the practice of medicine. Topics include health equity and racial disparities, firearm injuries, opioid ingestions, injury prevention, women’s health issues, and the medical consequences of disasters. The course is sponsored by the Division of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, and is hosted by Harvard Medical School.
 
Incorporation of Basic Science Content and Evidence-Based Medicine:
Evidence-based medicine as published in the peer-reviewed medical literature will be used as optional background reading material before each lecture. This literature will be used to demonstrate how social change addressed a public health problem. For example, we will use medical literature about the effects of blood alcohol levels and related legislation on motor vehicle crash deaths and injuries in the United States.

The Healing Project
The Healing Project is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that partners with those interested in healthcare to bridge the gap for underrepresented students. We provide interdisciplinary and longitudinal mentorship for students who have the passion and zeal to pursue a career in healthcare. Our fundamental goal is to cater to each student’s needs like essay preparation, editing personal statements, internship guidance, and study tips to enhance our students’ chances in achieving their goals and dreams. We work closely with our students to provide them with the necessary resources and guidance. We aim to help students achieve their dreams and break down institutionalized barriers.
Application deadline: 12/31
https://www.healingproject.net/  

PULSE Physician Mentorship Program
PULSE is a national educational organization dedicated to breaking barriers to medical education for premed students. With mentorship at the heart of our program, we connect aspiring medical professionals with experienced physicians. Our mission is to empower students from all walks of life, including first-generation college students, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQ+ identifying students, and those from underserved areas or other marginalized groups. Students are matched with a physician mentor specializing in a field of interest. The mentorship program offers flexible scheduling, allowing students to connect with their mentor virtually or in-person. Over the course of 3-4 months, students will have at least 3 facilitated sessions to learn about their mentor’s career journey and discuss relevant topics.
We invite you to consider this incredible opportunity and to share it with students who may benefit from mentorship and guidance on their path to a medical career. Feel free to pass on this email and encourage them to apply.
The application for our Fall 2025 cycle is open until January 31st. If you have any questions or need more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

VAW Global Team Leader Fellowship
Build your resume with the VAW Global Team Leader Fellowship! This leadership opportunity is generally an 8-10 month intensive fellowship — valuable to future nurses, physicians, physicians assistants, dentists, dental hygienists, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, as well as other future healthcare providers and anyone interested in gaining skills in public health while supporting healthcare systems around the world.
This pre-professional internship entails around 3-5 hours per week and is a truly enriching experience that will provide you with great skills for professional life such as learning about healthcare in a global context, gaining effective leadership and communication skills, acquiring international and public health work experience, and attending several orientations and workshops focused on personal development and cultural sensitivity. 
Applications are open to any students, regardless of experience, class level, or major.  This fellowship takes place as a hybrid role – partly on campus and partly remote.
To register for an Info Session using registration  code : https://calendly.com/chelseavaw/team-leader-info-session
For Applications using registration code : https://www.vawglobal.org/fellowships/
 

Resources & Readings

General Resources
Check out the Financing Your Medical Education section of our Admissions Academic Requirements and Policies page.
Collection of AAMC & Medical School Resources and Recordings
Virtual Medical School Fair Info Session: Watch on Demand
In case you missed the AAMC Spring 2024 Virtual Medical School Fair, you can watch each session recording on our YouTube fair playlist.
Sign up for the Biomedical Science Careers Program newsletter!
The primary objective of all BSCP activities is to identify, inform, support, and provide mentoring for academically outstanding students/fellows, particularly Black/African-American, Hispanic/LatinX and American Indian/Alaska Native individuals. 
“What’s Happening @ BSCP” is a monthly roundup of upcoming offerings, resources and information for the BSCP community!
Watch “Bending the Arc” for Free via Partners in Health
Decades before they joined the fight against COVID-19, and long before they helped battle Ebola in West Africa, Dr. Paul Farmer, Dr. Jim Yong Kim, and Ophelia Dahl—all barely out of their teens at the time—began a movement that would change global health forever by co-founding Partners In Health. Bending the Arc tells their story.

Financial Aid & Fee Assistance Programs
AAMC: Fee Assistance Program
FAP applications will close on 12/13 and reopen in early February 2025.
Not just for current applicants – apply for FAP prior to taking the MCAT to use any benefits for which you may qualify!
In preparation for the application opening, the Fee Assistance Program team held an informational webinar to share updates about the 2024 AAMC Fee Assistance Program. This webinar covered the 2024 Fee Assistance Program benefits, eligibility requirements, the application process, etc. Register today and you will be able to view the recording.
AAMC FIRST
Did you know the AAMC has a free, searchable database of state and federal loan forgiveness programs?
These tips are brought to you by FIRST (Financial Information, Resources, Services, and Tools) – an AAMC service that provides free resources to help you make wise financial decisions.
ADEA: Fee Assistance Program
VMCAS: Fee Assistance Program
Health Professions Scholarship Programs Webinars
Medical School
Dental School

Samvid Scholars
Samvid Scholars is a graduate school scholarship program which empowers mission-driven graduate students, with exceptional track records of impact, to drive transformative change for society through leadership development, community, and financial support. Scholars receive two years of leadership development programming to support them to continue to fulfill their extraordinary potential and up to $50,000 in tuition support each year for two years in graduate schools across the United States. We currently have 38 active and alumni MD scholars who are attending Harvard Medical School, Yale Medical School, Stanford Medical School, and Perelman School of Medicine. 
We are reaching out because we will soon open our application for our 2025 Cohort of Samvid Scholars, and we believe that your students would be a great fit. Samvid Scholars is a merit-based graduate scholarship program whose purpose is to empower mission-driven graduate students with exceptional track records of impact to drive transformative change for society through leadership development, community, and financial support.
Our application for Samvid Scholars will open on Monday, February 10th, 2025, and close on Monday, April 14th, 2025, at 3:00 pm ET. 
Learn more here.

SDN Prehealth Scholarship
In celebration of our 25th anniversary, the newly established Student Doctor Network Prehealth Scholarship is a $2,500 award to prehealth students committed to improving the health of their marginalized or underserved home community as a doctoral-level health professional. Candidates must submit a professional school application for the 2025-2026 application cycle for these health professional careers:
Medicine (MD/DO)
Dentistry (DMD/DDS)
Optometry (OD)
Podiatry (DPM)
Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
This scholarship award is designed to help students with authorized expenses associated with the application process. Authorized expenses do not include tuition, academic fees, books, room and board.

Entrance Exams & Situational Judgment Tests
Learn more about the MCAT (MD/DO)
Registration for January, March-June 2025 test dates opened on Wednesday, October 2nd.
AAMC MCAT Preparation Webinar Recording (June 2024)
Presenters provided an overview of the AAMC MCAT Official Prep resources and tips on how to use them to create an effective study plan. You can access it through the webinars section of the Premed Resources collection
Start your MCAT Prep Right with Proven Learning Strategies    
Join Shavonia Wynn, PhD, a medical education learning specialist, and the AAMC MCAT Prep team on Monday, January 27 at 2 p.m. ET, for an engaging webinar where we’ll explore crucial aspects of effective MCAT preparation. The session will provide you with evidence-based active learning techniques to help improve your scores. Register now!  
Learn more about the DAT (Dental)
Learn more about Situational Judgment Tests (MD/DO programs)
AAMC PREview
Casper
Jack Westin Adds Fourth FREE MCAT Full Length Practice Exam

Connect with Professional Organizations
Subscribe to the student newsletters of the appropriate professional organization below for important updates:
AAMC: Premed Navigator Newsletter
ADEA: GoDental Free E-Newsletter Sign-Up
Listen to several useful podcasts focusing on medical career paths and admissions processes:
Case Western’s All Access: Med School Admission Podcast (collection of interviews with many medical school admissions officers)
AAMC’s Aspiring Docs Video series
AAMC’s recommended podcasts for premeds
D.O. or Do Not: Osteopathic Podcast
Follow the social media accounts of the appropriate professional organization below for important updates:
AAMC (MD)
AACOM (DO)
Calendar of upcoming DO program information sessions.
ADEA (Dental) – links on top right of page
AAVMC (Veterinary) – links at bottom of page
PAEA (Physician Assistant) – links at bottom of page
OptomCAS (Optometry) – links at top of page
AACPM (Podiatry) – links at bottom of page
NursingCAS (Nursing) – links at bottom of page


For a full list of MCS programs and employer events, check out the MCS Calendars

By Rob Harrington
Rob Harrington Assistant Director of Premedical and Health Careers Advising