Program Overview

UMass Chan Medical School Summer Learning Opportunity

The UMass Chan Medical School Summer Learning Opportunity (SLO) is a program for rising second-year medical students 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.

Program Overview

The primary goal of this program is to increase representation of men of color, particularly Black men, into medicine. All students are welcome to apply.

Program Details

• Research Mentors: Students will be matched with a faculty and/or resident mentor based on interests and goals expressed in their application.
• Stipend: $3,000
• Housing: Participants will stay in Worcester State University housing for the duration of the program.

Application Process

Interested students must submit the following complete application by January 2, 2025:

1. Complete application
2. A letter of recommendation from a faculty member at their 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: January 2, 2025
• Notification of Decision to Student: Late February 2025
• Student Confirmation of Acceptance: March 2025

Program Expectations

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.
3. Community Action Plan: Students will develop a community action plan to familiarize themselves with the health disparities and healthcare inequities impacting the Worcester community.
4. Recreational Activities: DIO and affiliated departments will coordinate optional social activities and opportunities organized to acquaint participants with each other and with life on the UMass Chan campus and in Worcester.