UMass Chan Medical School Summer Learning Opportunity
Program overview
The UMass Chan Medical School Summer Learning Opportunity (SLO) is a program for rising second year medical students from historically underrepresented backgrounds (URiM) to participate in a clinical rotation and research experience in a specific specialty area. The four-week experience will include time in direct patient care, professional development, as well as opportunities for research and specialty specific advising. Stipend, housing, airfare to Worcester/Boston and transportation to the clinical sites will be provided to participating students. All students are welcome to apply.
Primary goal of this program is to increase representation of men of color, particularly Black men into medicine. All students are welcome to apply Priority will be given to URiM.
The AAMC defines URiM students as “those racial and ethnic populations that are underrepresented in the medical profession relative to their numbers in the general population . . . which includes African Americans, Hispanics/Latinx, American Indians, Alaska Natives, native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.”
Program details
Research mentors: Students will be matched with a faculty and/or resident mentor based on interests and goals expressed in their application. In addition to a student’s primary department mentor, they will be part of a professional development group led by a Diversity and Inclusion Office mentor who will actively engage with and support them throughout the summer program.
Stipend: $3,000
Housing: Participants will stay in Worcester State University housing for the duration of the program.
How to apply
Interested students must submit the following complete application by Jan. 2, 2025:
1. Complete application which can be accessed here: Summer Learning Opportunity Application
2. A letter of recommendation from a faculty member at your medical school
3. A current CV
4. A current photo (for purposes of creating a UMass Chan ID card)
Important dates
Summer Fellowship dates: June 2, 2025- June 27, 2025
Completed application deadline: Jan. 2, 2025
Notification of decision to student: Late February 2025
Student confirmation of acceptance: March 2025
Accepted students will be expected to participate in:
1. Professional Development Series: The DIO and specialty departments will host weekly lunch and learn discussions on a variety of professional development topics.
2. Department-specific activities: Students are expected to spend a minimum of 35 hours/week working with their host department. Each department will host their own programming, giving participants the opportunity to learn more about the specific areas of interest related to their research/specialty area.
3. Community Action Plan: Students will develop a community action plan to familiarize themselves with the health disparities and health care inequities impacting the Worcester community. This research project will provide students with an opportunity to understand the health inequities prevalent in the Worcester community and to critically reflect on their role as a future health care provider in addressing these disparities.
4. Recreational activities: DIO and affiliated departments will coordinate optional social activities and opportunities organized to acquaint participants with each other with life on the UMass Chan campus and in Worcester.