Summer Opportunities for Apprenticeships in Research (MedSOAR)

Key Dates:

Program Dates:
June 6 - August 15, 2008

Application

Application Deadline:
March 7, 2008

The UM Medical Schools Summer Opportunities for Apprenticeships in Research Program (MedSOAR) is formerly known as Summer Clinical Research & Apprenticeship Program (SCRAP).  MedSOAR provides an opportunity for highly motivated incoming college freshman, undergraduates, and recent college graduates, particularly those from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds, to explore potential careers in the field of medicine.  Program participants work in a research lab or clinical setting and gain essential skills necessary to become biomedical science professionals.  Research areas include, but are not limited to, pathology, internal medicine, anatomy, physical medicine, a rehabilitation, pediatrics, nursing, and veterinary medicine.  Past research topics ranged from high-tech computerized brain imaging to biostatistical analysis.  Clinics are in different areas such as pediatric, physical medicine and rehabilitation, and primary care fields.  Participants also learn about health disparities. As many as sixteen (16) students are selected to participate in this full-time summer health-related research and/or clinical experience, which starts in June and ends in August. The MedSOAR Program is fully funded by the University of Michigan Medical School; there is no tuition charged to program participants.

Purpose:

The purpose of the MedSOAR program is to introduce incoming college freshman, undergraduates, and recent college graduates to, and familiarize them with, biomedical research, health professional careers, and issues of health disparities.  Additionally, the program seeks to provide students with the skills needed to become competitive applicants for health professional schools, and successful citizen scholars and biomedical professionals.  Students participate in an intensive orientation in which they learn professional development and presentation skills, as well as lab etiquette.

Eligibility:

Only incoming college freshman, undergraduates, and recent college graduates, who previously participated in the University of Michigan Medical School’s Diversity and Career Development Office youth programs (e.g. SSA/MACY or HOPE) are eligible to apply.  Undergraduate students will receive priority placement. Applicants must:

  1. be U.S. citizens or legal resident aliens,
  2. be lawful Michigan residents, and
  3. be at least in 12th grade and have reached their 16th birthday before enrolling in the program.

Applicants will be evaluated based on the following:

  1. a demonstrated interest in a career in medicine or biomedical research;
  2. successful completion of at least one, and preferably more, high school science course(s);
  3. personal and academic accomplishments;
  4. high school grades; and
  5. quality of teacher and counselor recommendations.
  6. a demonstrated commitment to helping underserved populations

Students are only eligible to participate in MedSOAR twice.

Financial Support:

Stipends are $250.00 per week for high school students and $350.00 per week for undergraduates.

Housing:

MedSOAR scholars are responsible for securing their own housing. For information about finding housing in Ann Arbor, please visit the University of Michigan Housing Web site.

For more information contact:
Princess L. J. Currence,
Health Career Programs Manager
2919C Taubman Medical Library
1135 Catherine St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0603
Tel: 734.764.8185
Fax: 734.615.4828
Email: umms.medsoar@umich.edu

 

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