Vanderbilt-Meharry James Puckette Carter Summer Scholars' Program

Applications are currently closed.

The Vanderbilt Meharry James Puckette Carter Summer Scholars’ Program (VMJPCSSP) is an eight-week summer experience designed to show scholars the impact of delivering outstanding medical care for children and adults while helping advance care for future generations. We hope this opportunity strengthens your interest in a career in academic medicine, particularly in Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, or Surgery, and encourages you to consider a one year pull out research program during medical school at Vanderbilt University Medical Center or another institution.

The skills and insight you gain through this program will be a meaningful complement to your academic training, and we’re excited to have you join us.

About Dr. James Puckette Carter

James Puckette Carter, MD

Dr. James Puckette Carter joined the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine faculty in 1965, making history as the first African American faculty member in the Department of Pediatrics and the first full time African American faculty member at VUSM. Trained as both a pediatrician and a nutrition scientist, he served Vanderbilt from 1965 to 1976 before continuing his academic career at Tulane University School of Medicine, where he became the inaugural chair of the Department of Nutrition. Learn more about Dr. Carter.

 

Benefits of Engaging in Research

Students presenting research poster at regional conference

Participating in research during medical school offers meaningful benefits that support both academic growth and career development. Examples include:

  • Enhanced critical thinking and analytical skills. Research strengthens the ability to evaluate evidence, interpret data, and apply scientific literature to clinical decision making and evidence based care.
  • Stronger residency applications. Research experience can help you stand out during the residency selection process by demonstrating intellectual curiosity, initiative, and a commitment to advancing medical knowledge.
  • Exposure to academic medicine. Research provides a closer look at academic careers and can help you explore interests in scholarship, teaching, and discovery.
  • Improved communication skills. Presenting findings and writing abstracts or manuscripts builds clear and effective written and oral communication, skills that are essential for every physician.
  • Contribution to medical knowledge. Research allows students to help answer important clinical and scientific questions, with the potential to shape future practice and improve patient outcomes.

Together, these benefits highlight why research is an important part of medical education and professional preparation, fostering well-rounded physicians equipped for leadership, clinical and academic challenges.

Questions?

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

  • Highlights and expectations of the program include:

    • Complete an eight-week, full-time research assignment based on the project proposed in your application.
    • Work with your mentor to create a project timeline and milestones to ensure completion within the program period.
    • Complete all required institutional research and safety training, which may include Human Subjects Protections, Animal Care and Use, and HIPAA, in addition to any training completed at your home institution prior to placement.
    • Submit a written summary of your work, which may take the form of a clinical, basic science, or translational abstract and or manuscript.
    • Participate in a small Pediatrics and Internal Medicine journal club by meeting remotely twice weekly with Dr. Michael DeBaun. Meetings may occur outside the standard workweek.
    • Commit to eight weeks of work during June and July 2026 and remain in good academic standing at your medical school. A stipend is provided upon successful completion of the program.

  • 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.

    The application has closed for 2026.

    Highlights and expectations of the program include:

    • An 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 2026. 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 program timeframe.
    • 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 2026 start date.
    • Provide a written summary of your project that may include clinical, basic or translational abstracts, or manuscripts.
    • Remotely meet twice 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 eight weeks of work during June and July 2026, and you must be in good academic standing with your medical school. You will receive a stipend for completion of the program. Scholars will be required to meet all VUMC Occupational Health requirements including a two-step TB skin test. 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).

    Questions?

    Contact Jenny Beck, Sr. Program Manager, or Dr. Michael DeBaun.