Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Department of Pediatrics is pleased to offer the Visiting Scholars program as an enriching opportunity for 4th year medical students from backgrounds underrepresented in medicine aspiring to pursue a career in pediatrics. This program aims to provide a comprehensive, four-week Pediatric Acting Internship (AI) or Advanced Clinical Elective (ACE), coupled with invaluable exposure to our residents, faculty, and an opportunity to meet Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) leaders and discuss ongoing initiatives.
Mission
The Department of Pediatrics is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment that embraces all backgrounds and experiences, reflective of the communities we serve. We are dedicated to promoting health equity and delivering high-quality care to patients and families. We recognize the historical and systemic barriers faced by underrepresented minorities in medicine and are dedicated to supporting URiM medical students planning to pursue a career in pediatrics.
Learn more about how VUMC and the Department of Pediatrics are advancing health equity:
VUMC Department of Pediatrics Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Program Highlights
- Clinical Experience
- Engage in a robust clinical experience, gaining hands-on skills in pediatrics.
- Work closely with experienced medical professionals in a supportive environment.
- Networking and Collaboration
- Meet with Department DEI leaders and members of the Health Equity Advisory Committee, as well as the Residency Program Director.
- Explore collaborative opportunities and initiatives promoting diversity and inclusion within VUMC and Department of Pediatrics.
- Be paired with a faculty member who will serve as a mentor or advisor as well as a resident “Big Sib” who will assist the student during their time with us.
- Be invited to interview for our residency program.
- Participate in educational conferences as well as opportunity to attend social events with URiM faculty and house staff.
- Scholarship Award
- Two scholarship awards will be offered. Each Scholar will receive a $2,000 stipend to cover the cost of transportation, lodging, meals, and other essential expenses.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the program, applicants must:
- Maintain good academic standing at their medical school.
- Demonstrate a strong interest in pursuing a career in Pediatrics.
- Express a desire to learn more about Pediatrics at Vanderbilt.
- Have completed their core pediatric clerkship before the start of the visiting rotation.
Application Process
To apply:
- Complete an application in the Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO) platform for any Pediatric AI or Ace, meeting all institutional requirements: https://students-residents.aamc.org/visiting-student-learning-opportunities/visiting-student-learning-opportunities-vslo This is a crucial step in initiating your journey with us!
- Submit the VUMC URiM Visiting Scholar Program application: https://redcap.vanderbilt.edu/surveys/?s=CPWXPY9MNPF9883P
- Ensure all relevant details are provided, including your interest in and commitment to the field of pediatrics.
Details about accommodations may be found here.
Application Deadline: We encourage early submission, and the deadline for application is April 26, 2024 at 5:00 PM CST.
Join us in advancing health equity and shaping the future of Pediatrics at Vanderbilt. We eagerly await your application!
For further inquiries, please contact Lyndi Hopkins at lyndi.hopkins@vumc.org.