How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in our program. The experience you will gain from this program will be a valuable addition to your academic coursework, and we are thrilled to share this experience with you.

Applications are now open for Summer 2025: https://redcap.vumc.org/surveys/?s=HCJKEKEY9E9CRHAP

Highlights and expectations of the program include:

  • A seven- to eight-week, full-time assignment based on the project proposal in your application.

    Your mentor will have an assignment for either a new or altered program on your inability to be present on campus due to COVID. This activity may include a case series or review article. Your attendance is expected independent of your mentor's vacation schedule, and the program will be held during June and July 2025. The expectation is that vacation time will not be scheduled during this program. However, there are two national holidays during this time: Juneteenth and Independence Day.

  • Develop a timeline with your mentor to complete your project within the timeframe of the program.
  • Meet institutional requirements for research training and safety, including but not limited to: Human Subject Protections (in addition to that which will be fulfilled at your institution before placement with a mentor), Animal Care and Use, and HIPAA. We expect this to be done before the 2025 start date.
  • Provide a written summary of your project which may include clinical, basic, translational abstracts, or manuscripts.
  • Remotely meet once weekly during the program with Dr. Michael DeBaun to participate in a small pediatric and medicine journal club. This may occur outside of the workweek.

This scholarship requires seven to eight weeks of work during June and July 2025, and you must be in good academic standing with your medical school. You will receive a stipend for completion of the program. Please note that our onboarding process includes Occupational Health clearance, including a two-step TB test and the first and second dose of the COVID vaccine plus one COVID booster. This piece of the onboarding process is required and may prevent you from beginning the program if not completed before the program start date.

Each mentor or their designee is expected to:

  • Meet weekly to review your written progress and feedback about the program.
  • Evaluate your performance, progress, and research project, which will contribute to the final grade (as per the School of Medicine requirements).
  • Submit the students' evaluation upon completion of the training period (a link to a secured REDCap database will be provided).

For more information, please contact Jenny Beck, Program Manager, at jennifer.c.beck@vumc.org or Dr. Michael DeBaun at m.debaun@vumc.org.