Scholarly Opportunities

External Programs and Funding

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On this page you will find a listing of national opportunities for medical students to pursue research, international experiences, community service, and other training. Unaffiliated organizations provide funding for medical students and what follows is a non-exhaustive list of some funding sources.

Research Presentation & Conference Support

The Pritzker School of Medicine has limited funding to support students who represent Pritzker or present an abstract or poster at virtual or in person regional or national conferences. To apply for this funding, please click on the link below and complete the electronic form.

HDSI Travel Grant Program

The Center for Healthcare Delivery Science and Innovation offers an award program to help defray the cost of travel and registration fees for HDSI related research. Travel Grant recipients are awarded up to $1000 to offset the cost of registration, poster development and/or travel expenses. 

Dean's Letter of Recommendation Request

Many research opportunities will require a Letter of Recommendation from the Dean. At least two weeks before the deadline for application, please email Melissa Pollay with information on the opportunity and instructions on how to submit a Letter of Recommendation.

For Letters of Good Standing, email Michael McGinty.

AAMC Clinical and Research Opportunities

In addition to the research opportunities below, visit the AAMC Clinical and Research Opportunities page for a comprehensive list of other US opportunities for both year-round programs and summer programs. 

 

 BSD Office of Diversity and Inclusion

The BSD Office of Diversity and Inclusion has funds to offset the cost of conference travel through their Small Grants Program. Applications are due on the first Thursday of each month from September-May. Please visit their website for eligibility and application instructions. This application must be submitted before conference travel has occurred. https://hdsi.uchicago.edu/travel-grants/

 

 

Ongoing Research Opportunities

This listing includes both extended and short-term research opportunities, which have deadlines and funding available throughout the academic year.

Purpose: The AMA Government Relations Advocacy Fellowship (GRAF) offers medical students a unique opportunity to experience firsthand the intersection of organized medicine and the federal government as it relates to advocacy and policy-making. One Fellow is selected each spring to work in Washington, D.C., as a full-time, paid member of the AMA's federal advocacy team for one year.
Eligibility: Any medical student AMA-MSS member in good standing. Applicants are not expected to be proficient advocates and managers at the start of the fellowship. Prior health policy, legislative, or political experience is helpful.
Funds: The AMA Government Relations Advocacy Fellow (GRAF) is a full-time paid member of the AMA's federal advocacy team and serves for one year. The position, based in Washington, D.C., requires that the student take a one year leave from medical school. The fellow reports to the AMA's Director of the Division of Legislative Counsel and the Director of the Medical Student Section (MSS).
Deadline: Email mss@ama-assn.org for more information about the application deadline and process.
Link: AMA Government Relations Advocacy Fellowship (GRAF)
Purpose: To support research in the broad areas of medical history and medical humanities. 
Eligibility: Candidates must be current students at accredited medical schools in the US or Canada.
Funds: $1,500 stipend and possibly up to $750 for travel to annual mhttps://www.americanosler.org/content/awards-scholarships/bean-awardeeting.
Deadline: Applications must be submitted before the following March 1 to be eligible for that calendar year.
Link: American Osler Society: William B. Bean Student Research Award
Purpose: The Benjamin Fox Orthopaedic Research Scholar Award promotes clinical research by giving extraordinary U.S. medical students the opportunity to investigate pertinent topics in clinical orthopaedic research at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). This funded “year-out” scholar program is unique because it was specifically designed for students who are interested in pursuing a career in orthopaedic surgery. The successful candidate will dedicate a year to clinical research with CHOP orthopaedic surgeons before either the third or fourth year of medical school.
Eligibility: Applicants must be completing their third year of medical school in the United States. In rare circumstances, uniquely qualified students finishing their second year of medical school in the U.S. may be considered. Step 1 score if available, else please indicate Pass/Fail. The applicant must be in good academic standing and have an interest in pursuing a career in orthopaedic surgery
Funds: The recipient of this award will receive a $45,000 stipend to cover living expenses for the year, as well as travel expenses to national meetings.
Deadline: Applications accepted on a rolling basis until November 15, 2025. However, earlier applications are welcome and fellowship spots will be offered to the candidates on rolling basis.
Link: Benjamin Fox Orthopaedic Research Scholar Award
Purpose: The Chicago Area Schweitzer Fellows Program fosters the leadership abilities of aspiring health professionals, who design and implement service projects that promote health equity. Founded in 1996, Health & Medicine’s Chicago Area Schweitzer Fellows Program cultivates aspiring health and human services professionals to be informed, concerned, and involved with addressing health inequities.  Each year, the Schweitzer Program provides 30 exceptional  students with opportunities to design and implement projects to improve the health and well-being of underserved Chicago communities.
Eligibility: Any student who will be enrolled at least part-time in a health-related, graduate-level-degree-granting program during the Fellowship year is welcome to apply. Please note that two exceptions to this are medical and podiatry students who will be entering their third year of medical school. Medical and podiatry students who will be in their first, second, or fourth year during the Fellowship year are eligible.
Funds: Fellows receive a stipend of $2,750 (paid in four installments) both to underscore the seriousness of their work and to ensure that students who are already struggling financially are not discouraged from participating.
Deadline:
Applications for the 2026-27 Fellowship are now open.

Applications must be received no later than Saturday, February 1, 2026. Please contact us if you encounter any technical difficulties with the form.

Karol Dean, Program Director: kdean@hmprg.org, 312 372 4292 x31

 
Link: Chicago-Area Schweitzer Service Fellowship
Purpose: Chicago KUH FORWARD is pleased to announce its new NIDDK-funded TL1 interdisciplinary training program for predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows in basic, translational, or clinical research in the fields of kidney, benign urologic, and benign hematologic diseases at one of the six Chicago KUH FORWARD partnering institutions: Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Loyola University, Northwestern University, Rush University, University of Illinois at Chicago, and University of Chicago.
Eligibility:

The Chicago KUH FORWARD NIH TL1 training program accepts applications from predoctoral and postdoctoral level trainees wishing to receive interdisciplinary training in KUH research priority areas.

  • Predoctoral trainees:
    • Predoctoral trainees must have received a baccalaureate degree by the beginning date of their TL1 appointment and be enrolled in a program leading to a Ph.D. or an equivalent research doctoral degree program.
    • Predoctoral trainees will be considered after completion of degree-required coursework and fulfillment of qualifying exams.
    • Health-professional students who wish to interrupt their studies for one year or more to engage in full-time research training before completing their formal training programs, are also eligible.
Funds: Chicago KUH FORWARD intends to fund up to 5 predoctoral and 5 postdoctoral trainee awards during the inaugural year of the TL1 program. Awards provide support for up to two years at NRSA stipend levels. The second year of training is contingent on satisfactory progress during year 1.
Deadline:

Applications are currently being accepted from eligible predoctoral students, postdoctoral researchers, and clinical residents who would be appointed between June 1, 2025 and May 31, 2026.

Please contact chicago.kuhforward@northwestern.edu for further information.
Link: Chicago Kidney Urology Hematology network FOR city-Wide reseArch tRaining and career Development (Chicago KUH FORWARD)
Purpose:

The Department of Pediatrics has funds to support $150 per project related to Pediatric Medical Education. 
Eligibility:

Must be a current medical student 
Funds:

$150 per project related to Pediatric Medical Education
Deadline:

Open to applications at any point in the year
Contact: Please email Dr. Lolita Alkureishi (malkureishi@peds.bsd.uchicago) regarding the Joel Schwab Medical Education Grants program.
Purpose: The Infectious Diseases Society of America Foundation developed the Grants for Emerging Researchers/Clinicians Mentorship (G.E.R.M.) to build a pipeline of tomorrow's ID leaders. Through this highly rated program, first, second, or third-year medical students receive access to an ID research experience designed to spark intellectual curiosity and inspire the pursuit of a career in the field of infectious diseases. Selected scholars are sponsored by an IDSA Member or Fellow to advance ongoing research, initiate new studies, or explore other concepts within the field of infectious diseases outside of their primary institution. Eligible categories include: Clinical Infectious Diseases, Clinical Research, Epidemiology, International Health, Laboratory Research, Medical Education and/or Prevention
Eligibility: Students in the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd year of an accredited US or Canadian medical school. Each student must have a mentor who is an IDSA member or fellow.
Funds: Each scholarship recipient will receive $4,000. Recipients are also given complimentary IDSA membership. 
Deadline:

IDSA regrets to announce that the Grants for Emerging Researchers/Clinicians Mentorship Program will be on pause for the 2025 cycle. We will not be accepting applications during this time as we work to enhance the program’s long-term impact and sustainability. 

We deeply value the dedication of our applicants and supporters and encourage you to stay tuned for updates on the G.E.R.M. Program’s return in 2026.
Link: Infectious Diseases Society of America Foundation Grants for Emerging Researchers/Clinicians Mentorship
Purpose: The Medical Research Scholars Program endeavors to be the premier training program for future clinician-scientists that advances health by inspiring careers in biomedical research. By engaging students in basic, clinical, or translational research investigations, a curriculum rich in didactics and professional development, and a robust mentorship and advising program, MRSP prepares its Scholars to become tomorrow’s leaders in medicine and biomedical research. This is a 12-month program.
Eligibility: Students must be US citizens or permanent residents who have a strong interest in conducting basic, clinical, translational or population health research and are currently enrolled in their 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year at an accredited medical program.
Funds:
  • Annual stipend
  • Relocation Allowance
  • Funding support for conference travel, scientific courses, and textbooks
Deadline: The application cycle for the 2026-2027 class will be Sept. 1, 2025 - Dec. 1, 2025
Link:  National Institutes of Health (NIH): Medical Research Scholars Program
Purpose: The Pisacano Leadership Foundation (PLF) seeks to advance family medicine by providing well-educated, community-minded leaders in primary care.  By aiding students who demonstrate the highest levels of commitment to family medicine, scholarship, leadership, character, interpersonal skills, and community service, the PLF will promote the development of the future leaders in the specialty.
Eligibility: Scholarships will be awarded to outstanding medical students for a four-year period. Students who have made a commitment to the field of family medicine and who will enter their fourth year in medical school in the fall of this year may apply.  
Funds: The PLF will award scholarships with a maximum value of $28,000.
Deadline: The deadline is May 1, 2026.
Link: Pisacano Scholars Leadership Program
Deadline:  Winter Quarter (January - March)
Link: PSSF MSRF Nomination Application

 
Purpose: The Johns Hopkins Poggi Pediatric Orthopaedic Research Scholar Award is a year-long fellowship program for extraordinary medical students. Fellows will have the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge clinical research and learn the skills necessary to produce sound, high-quality papers. Poggi fellows are a crucial part of the pediatric orthopaedic surgery team and gain clinical experience both in and out of the operating room. 
Eligibility: Applicants should be completing their third year of medical school (in rare circumstances, uniquely qualified students finishing their second year of medical school may be considered) and must be in good academic standing and have an interest in pursuing a career in orthopaedic surgery.
Funds: The recipient of this award will receive a $30,000 stipend to cover living expenses for the year, as well as travel expenses to national presentations.
Deadline: Application period: October 1 - December 31, 2025 (11:59 PM EST).
Link:  Poggi Pediatric Orthopaedic Research Scholar Award at Johns Hopkins
Purpose: The Sarnoff Fellowship Program offers medical students enrolled in accredited US medical schools the opportunity to spend a year conducting intensive work in a biomedical research facility in the United States, other than the medical school in which they are enrolled. During the year in the laboratory, the Sarnoff Fellow will undertake his/her own research project and assume responsibility for it from inception to completion. The Fellow is expected with guidance, to develop the hypothesis and specific aims of the project, to participate in the experimental design, to carry out appropriate experiments, to interpret the data with the help of his/her preceptor, and to prepare an original manuscript for submission to an appropriate peer-reviewed journal. Each Fellow presents his/her results at the Sarnoff Foundation's Annual Scientific Meeting, as well as at appropriate national meetings.
Eligibility: Students enrolled in accredited US medical schools selected on the basis of a national competition. Applications are encouraged from second and third year medical students.
Stipend: $42,000 stipend, plus allowance of up to $5,000 for travel to select a Preceptor and Fellowship laboratory and attend the Sarnoff Annual Scientific Meeting and American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, moving expenses, health insurance and funds for travel to present a paper at two national conferences.
Deadline:
Application Open: July 28, 2025
Application Close: February 10, 2026
Link:  Sarnoff Cardiovascular Research Foundation: Research Training for Medical Students Fellowship
Purpose: The T32 Predoctoral Training Program for medical students provides a mentored research experience (9 to 12 months) with opportunities to participate in research on many levels and learn from successful program faculty conducting cutting-edge basic, clinical and translational research in the auditory, vestibular, olfactory, and communication sciences.
Eligibility: Must be US citizen, US non-citizen national, or US permanent resident and enrolled in a doctoral degree program in medicine in the United States. Commitment to a “year-out” opportunity (e.g., 9 to 12-month full-time research training experience). Support of a program-approved mentor
Funds: Trainees receive a monthly stipend, research-related expenses, and health insurance. Tuition funding for required courses – including Certificate of Clinical Investigation (CCCI) and Master of Science in Clinical Investigation (MSCI) degree. Travel to national meetings and multidisciplinary seminars.
Deadline: Accepting applications annually: July 1-December 31
Link: The Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery T32 Mentored Research Training Program for Medical Students 
Purpose: The TL1 Predoctoral Program at Washington University provides career development for medical and allied healthcare doctoral students through didactic coursework, mentored training, work-in-progress research discussions, journal clubs, and conferences. The Intensive Predoctoral Program runs 12 months, beginning June 1 and continuing through May 31 the following year.
Eligibility: Trainees must be enrolled in a clinical doctoral degree program in medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, biomedical engineering, social work, pharmacy, audiology and communication sciences, veterinary medicine, or another allied health profession. 
Funds: Trainees receive a monthly stipend. Tuition for courses required by the program are covered through NIH and institutional support. Trainees receive a limited amount of funding for their research projects and for travel to attend the annual TL1 Predoctoral National Meeting. 
Deadline: August 1 through December 31 for a June start date
Link: Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis TL1 Predoctoral Clinical Research Program
Purpose: The Zuckerman Fellows Program equips people from the fields of medicine, law, and business to provide leadership for the common good by making it possible for them to pursue public service degrees at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, or Harvard Kennedy School. The Zuckerman Fellowship provides recipients with full tuition and health insurance fees for one year plus a living stipend.
Eligibility: Fellows are required to be in full-time residence at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Harvard School of Public Health, or Harvard Kennedy School during their fellowship year.  Zuckerman Fellowship is awarded for one year only, even though some master's degree programs last for more than one year. Candidates are individuals who have - or are pursuing - an MBA, JD, or MD and are seeking an additional master's degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, the Harvard Kennedy School, or the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The fellowship application is separate from the candidate's application for admission to the graduate programs.
Funds: The Zuckerman Fellowship provides recipients with full tuition and health insurance fees for one year plus a living stipend.
Deadline:
  • Deadline for students applying to the T.H. Chan School of Public Health (HSPH) is Thursday, January 8, 2026 by 11:59 p.m. ET
  • Deadline for students applying to the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) is Sunday, February 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

  • Deadline for students applying to the Graduate School of Education (GSE) is Friday, February 13, 2026 by 11:59 p.m. ET.

     

 

  • Fellowship applicants who are applying to more than one school must submit one fellowship application by the earlier of the two or three school deadlines. For example, if you are applying to HSPH and HKS, you will need to submit your fellowship application by January 8 to be considered at both schools. Please note all schools that you are applying to in your fellowship application.
Link: Zuckerman Fellows Program at Harvard Kennedy School Center for Public Leadership

Summer Research Opportunities

This listing includes funding for research during the summer months only.

Purpose: The purpose of the fellowship is to foster the development of the next generation of medical researchers. The opportunity provides financial support for research to be conducted either during a continual period of a minimum of 8 to 10 weeks; 30 hours or more per week, or an average of 4 hours per week for 12 months over a period of 1 to 2 years, for clinical investigation, basic laboratory research, epidemiology, social science/health services research, leadership, or professionalism. Funds from the fellowship are expected to be the major source of support for the student. Only one candidate from each school may be nominated. A student may only receive one fellowship during medical school.
Eligibility: First- and second-year students from schools with active AΩA chapters are eligible. PhDs and candidates for MD/PhD are not eligible. Students must be actively enrolled in medical school classes and not taking a year off to pursue research or a graduate degree. Only one candidate from each school may be nominated. A student may only receive one fellowship during medical school.
Funds: $6000, $2,500 paid on announcement of the award, and $2,500 paid on approval by AΩA of a final report of the research + $1000 to be reimbursed for travel to present Fellowship research results at a national meeting within one year of distribution of the final award check.
Deadline: Proposals, including all components listed under Proposal to Councilors, must be submitted to dean-for-meded@bsd.uchicago.edu by December 15, 2025. The final application must be submitted online through the AΩA website by January 20, 2026.
Link: Alpha Omega Alpha: Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship
Purpose: The AACAP Summer Medical Student Fellowships offer a chance for medical students to explore a career in child and adolescent psychiatry, gain valuable work experience, and meet leaders in the child and adolescent psychiatry field.
Eligibility: Applicants must be students enrolled in accredited US medical schools and must obtain AACAP membership (free for medical students). Students must commit to working full-time for 12 consecutive weeks.
Funds: $3500 for 12 weeks of clinical or research training under a child and adolescent psychiatrist mentor.
Deadline: The deadline is March 4, 2026
Link: American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Summer Medical Student Fellowships
Purpose: The AFAR MSTAR Program provides medical students with an enriching experience in aging-related research and geriatrics, under the mentorship of top experts in the field. This program introduces students to research and academic experiences early in their training that they might not otherwise have during medical school. Participants will be invited to present a poster at the Annual Meeting of the American Geriatrics Society.
Eligibility: Any medical student in good standing who will have successfully completed one year of medical school by June 2026. Applicants must participate full-time for a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 12 weeks.
Funds: Awardees will receive stipends of approximately $1980/month (actual amounts vary based on specific appointment period of individual students).
Deadline: Please be in touch directly with the National Training Centers for their program deadline and application materials.
Link: American Foundation for Aging Research (AFAR) Medical Student Training in Aging Research (MSTAR) Program
Purpose: The Summer Medical Student Fellowship Program is a chance for outstanding medical students to pursue urology research by engaging them in summer research fellowships alongside world-class urologic scientists.
Eligibility: Current or matriculating medical students who do not hold advanced research degrees (e.g., PhD, MPH, or MSc) are eligible. 
Funds: $4,000
Deadline: The 2025 competition is now closed.  Applications will open in January 2026. contact grantsmanager@auanet.org for more information.
Link: American Urological Association: Summer Medical Student Fellowship Program
Purpose: The Student Summer Research Fellowship is awarded for research into community health and cultural competency issues. Although this is a research-based Fellowship, the focus should be on humanistic patient care and as such the proposal should show significant interaction with the target population.
Eligibility: Students of medicine at an accredited US or Canadian school of allopathy or osteopathy may apply.
Funds: $4,000 stipend for 10-week period
Deadline: Deadline: The 2025 application period is now closed
Link: Arnold P. Gold Foundation: Student Summer Research Fellowships
Purpose: The CNS/CSNS Medical Student Socioeconomic Fellowship supports a medical student conducting research on a socioeconomic issue impacting neurosurgical practice.
Eligibility: The fellowship is open to all medical students in the United States and Canada. The fellow will spend 8 to 10 weeks conducting supervised research on a socioeconomic topic of importance to neurosurgery.
Funds: $2,500
Deadline: April 15, 2026
Link: https://csnsonline.org/medical-student-summer-fellowship/
Purpose: Summer Student Fellowships are available to undergraduates, graduate, and medical students who are interested in pursuing eye-related clinical or basic research.
Eligibility: Undergraduates, graduate and medical students.
Funds: Unrestricted awards of $2,400 are given for two to three months of full-time research, usually during June-August. Students receiving stipends from other sources are generally not eligible.
Deadline: Applications are due in March 1 2026.
Link: Fight for Sight: Summer Student Fellowship
Purpose: FAER's Medical Student Anesthesia Research Fellowship (MSARF) program provides funding to support medical students for 8 weeks in the summer in focusing on anesthesiology research, training in scientific methods and techniques, and learning how to incorporate research into a medical career
Eligibility: Medical student enrolled full-time an an accredited US or Canadian medical school, in the first, second, or third year of school.
Funds: $4800 stipend to cover relocation, housing, and/or health insurance, plus additional funding to cover travel to a national meeting.
Deadline:

December 15, 2025 – Student application site opens 

January 31, 2026 – Student application site closes at 11:59 p.m CST 

March 15, 2026 – Students and programs will be notified of the program match results.
Link: Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research (FAER): Medical Student Anesthesia Research Fellowship Summer Program
Purpose: The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation presents the Summer Institute for Medical Students (SIMS), an intensive weeklong immersion program for medical students who are interested in learning about the dynamics of the Disease of Addiction.
Funds: In addition to the SIMS training, flights, hotel, and meals are provided through this funded scholarship.
Deadline: Please contact mpe@hazeldenbettyford.org for deadline information. 
Link: https://libguides.acom.edu/c.php?g=1008435&p=7736700
Purpose: The Gina M. Finzi Memorial Student Summer Fellowship Program seeks to cultivate an interest in lupus research among young scientists by finding studies conducted under the supervision of an established lupus investigator.
Eligibility: Preference will be given to medical students who have already earned a baccalaureate degree. 
Funds: The Foundation provides 5 awards of $4,000 each.
Deadline: Application deadline: January 16, 2026 
Link: Lupus Foundation of America: Gina M. Finzi Memorial Student Summer Fellowship Program
Purpose: The First-Year Medical Student Program is a 10-week program that offers hands-on experience in biomedical, translational, or clinical research. Students are matched with a mentor from MD Anderson's research or clinical faculty. Participants work alongside the mentor in a lab or clinic on projects designed by faculty to reflect current research. Workshops and lectures provide opportunities to connect with faculty, residents, postdoctoral and clinical fellows, and other participants. Through the program, students assess goals related to careers in cancer research and patient care. The program culminates with a symposium in which participants present talks and posters on their research projects to peers and faculty.
Eligibility: Students in good academic standing who have completed their first year at an accredited US medical school are eligible.
Funds: Students will be eligible for a scholarship process for the full 10-week period.  Scholarship process is not a salary.  It is solely intended to subsidize housing, meals and travel expenses.
Deadline:  Accepting applications November 14, 2025 - January 14, 2026. 
Link: MD Anderson Cancer Center Summer Program for First-Year Medical Students
Purpose: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's Medical Student Summer Fellowship Program is a research program for first- and second-year students at US medical schools who are interested in careers as physician-scientists in the field of oncology and/or related biomedical sciences.
Eligibility: Only medical students in good standing who are currently in their first or second year at an accredited United States medical school are eligible to apply.
Funds: Participants are hired as temporary summer employees and receive a stipend for uninterrupted participation over the ten-weeks of the program. Stipends are paid in bi-weekly installments according to the MSK payroll schedule, minus applicable federal, state, and city payroll taxes.
Deadline: Applications open on Monday, December 8, 2025. 
Link: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Summer Fellowship Program
Purpose: The Scholars in Oncology-Associated Research (SOAR) program is funded by a National Cancer Institute (NCI) R25 grant. The SOAR program provides 14 medical students with an opportunity to conduct a cancer research project under the supervision of a University of Chicago faculty member, learn about the fundamentals of cancer research and clinical oncology, explore multidisciplinary and interprofessional aspects of oncology, and begin to learn about the global impact of cancer.  10 SOAR students are funded for cancer research projects at The University of Chicago and 4 SOAR students are funded for Global Oncology research. The ultimate goal of SOAR is to help students begin on a path towards a career in cancer research in any oncology-related medical specialty.
Eligibility: Medical students at Pritzker School of Medicine between their first and second year of medical school conducting a summer research project with an identified SOAR mentor.  Projects/mentors not previously identified as part of SOAR will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 
Funds: $6,600 stipend
Deadline: Students can apply by checking the SOAR box on their Summer Research Project (SRP) application. To be considered, all applications must be submitted per the SRP timeline
Link: Scholars in Oncology-Associated Research (SOAR) website
Purpose: The Medical Student Research Program in Diabetes is sponsored by the National Institutes of Health through the NIDDK and allows medical students to conduct research under the direction of an established scientist in the areas of diabetes, hormone action, physiology, islet cell biology or obesity at an institution with one of the NIDDK-funded Research Centers during the summer between the first and second year or second and third year of medical school. The Program helps students gain an improved understanding of career opportunities in biomedical research and a comprehensive understanding of diabetes, its clinical manifestations and its unsolved problems. Prior research experience is not required.
Eligibility: Rising second and third year students who are US citizens or permanent residents.
Funds: Stipend of approximately $2,200 per month. A travel allowance will be provided for the research symposium in Nashville, TN.
Deadline: Deadline for application submission: 11:59 pm (local time) January 12th, 2026.
Link: NIDDK Medical Student Research Program in Diabetes
Purpose:

Through an 8-week clinical and research internship with a practicing researcher, which also includes a full-day orientation and culminates in the student presenting his/her research poster at the annual National Medical Association assembly.

Following successful completion of the summer internship program, students receive scholarships to participate in a USMLE Step 1 board review course, which is conducted throughout their second year in medical school.
Eligibility: All first-year medical students who are in good standing in an accredited US medical school are eligible to apply for the Nth Dimensions Summer Internship Program (NDSI). For the following programs: Dermatology Summer Internship (DSI), Orthopaedic Summer Internship (OSI) and Radiology Summer Internship (RSI).
Funds:

At the sole discretion of the NDSI Selection Committee, you will receive funding in one of the following categories:

  1. Fully-funded
  2. Partially-funded
  3. Self-funded

It is our goal to provide meaningful NDSI experiences for our Nth Scholars. Unfortunately, we are not able to fully-fund every student.
Deadline: The deadline is November 2025
Link: Nth Dimensions Summer Internship Program (NDSI)
Purpose: The RSNA Research Medical Student Grant gives medical students the opportunity to gain research experience in medical imaging while still in medical school. Guided by a community of support and network of mentors, recipients will define objectives, develop research skills, and test hypotheses—all before choosing a residency program.
Eligibility: You must be an RSNA member to apply for the Medical Student Research Grant. If you’re a non dues-paying member, your scientific advisor or your co-investigator must be a dues-paying member. You must be a full-time medical student at an accredited North American medical school.
Funds: Grant recipients receive a $3,000 stipend, matched by the sponsoring department for a total of $6,000 for their summer project.
Deadline: Application deadline: Feb. 6, 2026
Link: Radiological Society of North America Medical Student Grant 
Purpose: A full-time clinical or research mentorship with an established rheumatology professional; students can choose a four- or eight-week clinical preceptorship or an eight-week research preceptorship. The purpose is to encourage medical and graduate students to consider a career in rheumatology.
Eligibility: Preceptor must be an ACR or ARHP member; student must be enrolled in an LCME accredited medical school. Students may apply during any year of their medical studies.
Funds:

Award Amount
Up to 30,000 per year in direct costs (maximum $60,000 over 2 years)

Award Term
1 year with option for competitive renewal for 1 additional year 
Deadline: December 1, 2025
Link: Rheumatology Research Foundation: Medical and Graduate Student Research Preceptorship
Purpose: Through this internship experience, you will gain either first-hand research or clinical experience by working full-time on an independent clinical or scientific cancer-related research project. You are able choose and rank projects in the application process based on your research preference and interests. Your experience will take place in the collaborative environment of a cancer research laboratory or clinic headed by a world-renowned cancer researcher or clinician. In the research laboratory you will work alongside graduate students, post-doctoral scholars and laboratory technicians. If your project is in the clinical setting, you will work within a team of staff physicians, nurses and clinical residents. Your experience will be supported by a curriculum of learning and professional development activities.
Eligibility: First-year medical students. Program takes place in the summer between first and second year of medical school. 
Funds: The allowance for the 8-week program is $4,800.
Deadline: Please contact Education@roswellpark.org for deadline information. 
Link: Roswell Park Cancer Institute: Summer Research Experience Program in Oncology
Purpose: The Society of Hospital Medicine - Student Hospitalist Scholar Grant (SHM-SHSG) awardees will complete scholarly work with an active SHM mentor in a project related to patient safety/quality improvement or other areas relevant to the field of hospital medicine. The project should be conducted during the summer between the first/second years of medical school.
Eligibility: Applicants must be a student member of SHM. Applicants must identify a mentor who is a current and active member of SHM with whom they can conduct a full-time scholarly project; with interest, please contact Dr. Vineet Arora (varora@medicine.bsd.uchicago.edu). Students must be in good standing; MSTP students are not eligible to apply.
Funds: Recipients receive $500/week for the summer and the stipend is meant to cover salary support for the student exclusively. Additionally, up to $1,500 will be reimbursed to the student for travel-related expenses to attend the annual SHM Hospital Medicine conference. Registration will be complimentary for the student scholars.
Deadline: Applications are now open until 11:00 PM ET on February 4, 2026
Link: Society of Hospital Medicine: Student Hospitalist Scholar Grant Summer Program
Purpose: The Vanderbilt Student Research Training Program (SRTP) is sponsored by the National Institutes of Health and allows medical students to conduct research under the direction of an established scientist in the areas of diabetes, obesity, kidney disease, or digestive disease at Vanderbilt during the summer between the first and second year or second and third year of medical school.
Eligibility: Medical students must participate for a minimum for two months between June and August, must attend a research symposium in Nashville in August, and must be a US citizen or permanent resident.
Funds: Each student receives a stipend of approximately $2,200 per month.
Deadline:

The deadline is December 31, 2024. 

Applications for 2026 will open in late October 2025

Application Deadline: Jan. 5, 2026, 11:59 p.m
Link: Vanderbilt University: Student Research Training Program (SRTP) in Diabetes and Obesity, Kidney Disease, and Digestive Disease

International Opportunities

The following are external international opportunities available to Pritzker students.

Purpose:

4-8 week long international health-service learning opportunities in a variety of settings (Argentina; Bolivia; Ecuador; India; Mexico; South Africa; Uganda).
Eligibility:

CFHI programs are open to participants 20 years of age or older at the time of participation. CFHI programs are open to all with an interest in global health. Coursework related to health or medicine and experience volunteering in a clinical setting is recommended.
Costs:

Students must pay for the cost of their own program.
Deadline:

Applying early is encouraged in order to secure your spot in your top choice program and to give you more time to prepare for the program. All applications received 45 days or less before any arrival date are considered last minute applications.
Link: Child Family Health International
Purpose:

The fellowship supports those who pursue clinical tropical medicine or tropical medicine research electives in areas afflicted by tropical diseases.
Eligibility:

Must be a full-time student in a North American accredited school of medicine at the time of the application and at the time of the elective.
Funds:

Awards vary
Deadline:

The next application cycle will begin:

Feb 22, 2024 Mar 14, 2024
Link: Benjamin Kean Traveling Fellowship in Tropical Medicine
Purpose:​

The Fellowships at Auschwitz for the Study of Professional Ethics (FASPE) seeks applications for its medical fellowships. FASPE Medical, a component of a larger program that works with students in various fields, uses the conduct of doctors and other medical professionals in Nazi Germany and the Holocaust as a launching point for an intensive course of study on medical ethics. FASPE is predicated upon the power of place, and in particular the first-hand experience of visiting Auschwitz and traveling through Germany and Poland where Fellows study the past and consider how to apply the lessons of history as they confront the ethical challenges of today.
Eligibility:

Medical applicants must be enrolled in an MD or DO program at the time of their application or must have an MD or DO and be working towards a subsequent degree.
Link: Fellowships at Auschwitz for the Study of Medical Ethics
Purpose:

To foster leadership, learning and empathy between cultures.
Eligibility:

U.S. citizens who hold a B.A. degree at the time of the grant; some countries have requirements regarding foreign language proficiency and/or previous time spent in country.
Funds:

Subject to availability of federally-appropriated funds
Deadline:
2025-2026 Application Cycle:

Opening April 2, 2024
Link:

Fulbright IIE U.S. Student Fellowship
Purpose:

The Global Health Program for Fellows and Scholars provides supportive mentorship, research opportunities and a collaborative research environment for early stage investigators from the U.S. and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), as defined by the World Bank, to enhance their global health research expertise and their careers. (See The World Bank Country and Lending Groups to identify countries with low- or middle-income economies.) Individual students, postdoctoral fellows or faculty from the U.S. or from LMICs apply through the consortia below for placement at an LMIC institution for 12 months.
Current Consortia:

Six U.S. university consortia received awards in the latest competition, Fogarty Global Health Training Program (D43) (RFA-TW-16-002). See each consortia website for program areas, application information and eligibility:
Link:

NIH Fogarty International Center Global Health Program for Fellows and Scholars
Purpose:

IDSA Education and Research Foundation offers summer scholarships to medical students with mentorship by an IDSA member or fellow. It is the responsibility of IDSA members and fellows to identify and solicit interested students
Eligibility:

Any medical student interested in pursuing research activity on pediatric or adult infectious diseases. These activities may involve either clinical or research activities. 
Funds:

$4000
Deadline:

The deadline to apply is February 7, 2024 at 11:59 PM EST.
Link:

Infectious Disease Society of North America-Medical Scholars Program
Purpose:

ISL’s medical teams provide medical care and public health education in partnership with local community agencies. From urban centers to small towns and villages in remote areas, our medical teams work in field clinics assessing patient needs and treating acute conditions. Volunteers have the opportunity to provide valuable services in developing communities, while increasing their own cultural competency skills.
Eligibility:

ISL's medical teams are reserved for licensed health professionals and upper level graduate students who have completed their first year of professional health training.
More Information:

International Service Learning - Medical Teams
Purpose:

The Luce Scholars Program awards scholarships and sends a select group of young scholars to various locations in Asia for a year in their field of interest.
Eligibility:

American citizens with at least a bachelor's degree, no older than 29 at the time they enter the program and cannot have had significant exposure to Asian culture or Asian studies; strong leadership ability; potential for professional accomplishment within chosen field.
Link:

Luce Scholars Program
Purpose:

The MAP International Medical Fellowship encourages lifelong involvement in global health issues by providing selected medical students firsthand exposure in a Christian context to the health, social and cultural characteristics of a developing world community
Eligibility:

Fourth-year medical students at the time of their externship are eligible.  Applications should be submitted during the academic year prior to travel.
Funds:

The fellowship provides 100 percent of the approved round trip airfare to one destination. In most instances, students pay room and board as well as any in-country travel expenses.
Deadline:

The annual deadline to submit an application is March 1 - applications should be submitted during the academic year prior to travel.
Link:

MAP International Medical Fellowship
Purpose:

Unite For Sight targets the more than 36 million people with undiagnosed and untreated cases of preventable blindness. 
Eligibility:

Volunteers interested in assisting interns and eye doctors in an international health setting (Ghana; Honduras; India).
Cost:

Volunteers pay for their own airfare, travel, VISA, immunizations, insurance, and living expenses. No funds for travel, lodging, or living expenses are paid directly to Unite For Sight. The total costs will depend on your program location and on the amount of time you will be abroad.
Deadline:

Programs fill quickly, and it is suggested that you apply as soon as you decide that you would like to participate. You may apply more than a full year in advance, or you may apply a few months in advance.

Link: 

 Unite for Sight International Volunteer Program
Purpose:

The Human Rights Internship Program offers a select group of Chicago students the opportunity to learn the skills and understand the difficulties inherent in putting human rights into practice.
Eligibility:

Students are not required to take a Human Rights course before applying, but accepted interns should take Human Rights II (History and Theory) or Human Rights III (Contemporary Issues in Human Rights) prior to starting their internship.
Funds:

$5,000
Link:

Human Rights Internship Program

Electives and Externships

Purpose:

The purpose of the elective is to provide an introduction to preventive medicine, public health and the principles of applied epidemiology. Students are offered the opportunity to actively assist in the epidemiologic investigation of infectious diseases.
Eligibility:

Third-year student at time of application
Funds:

Applicants selected for the program must pay for

  • Round-trip transportation to their assigned CDC facility
  • Living expenses during the elective

Deadline:

The student application period for 2025 rotations will be open February 1 through April 1, 2024.

The host site application period will be open on February 1 through May 3, 2024.

Contact us at epielective@cdc.gov.
Link: 

Center for Disease Control: Epidemiology Elective
Purpose:

The Jackson-Steindler Clerkship Awardees will participate in the clinical services at the University of Iowa Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, the educational programs including conferences and surgical skills education as well as have the opportunity to participate in research conferences.  Successful applicants will have demonstrated a commitment to excellence and an interest in advancing diversity within the specialty of orthopaedics. The clerkship is not affiliated with the Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation residency match program.

Eligibility:

 One or two medical students who have successfully completed the third year of medical school at a LCME-accredited institution and who have an interest in orthopaedics will be selected for this award.

Funds:

 The award includes $1,500 for housing and travel.
Deadline:

Applications will be accepted beginning March 1, 2024 to March 31, 2024
Link: 

Ruth Jackson-Steindler Orthopedic Clerkship
Purpose:

To fund students’ efforts to obtain clinical exposure to abortion care through an externship.

MSFC offers 2 abortion training options: the Clinical Abortion Observation and the Reproductive Health Externship. Both programs provide financial and logistical support for your efforts to obtain clinical exposure to abortion care. The Clinical Abortion Observation is a short program, lasting between 3 days and 2 weeks. The RHE is at minimum 2 weeks in duration and participants are required to have exposure to at least 50 abortion procedures.
Eligibility:

Medical student in good standing.
Funds:

Funding will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis to applicants who meet all program requirements
Deadline:

A complete funding application must be submitted to MSFC Headquarters for consideration at least 1 month prior to the start date of your externship.

Further information can be obtained by contacting the Reproductive Health Externship manager by phone at (215) 625-0800 or via email at externs@msfc.org
Link: 

Medical Students for Choice: Reproductive Health Externship Program 
Purpose:

This program offers a unique and early clinical exposure related to the care of persons with acute and chronic disabilities for comprehensive rehabilitation. Primarily, students will assist in the clinical management of patients admitted to the AbilityLab. In addition, students will participate in a research project in a rehabilitation related field. There will be ongoing didactic and in-service efforts directed at the M1-M2 student level.
Eligibility:

Students between their first and second years of medical school
Funds:

$3,000 stipend
Deadline:

The 2025 Summer Externship applications will open in November 2024.

The dates for the 2024 Summer Externship are June 3, 2024 through July 12, 2024.

For more information on the program, please contact Keeley Barr at 312-238-2870or kbarr02@sralab.org.

Link: 

 Summer Externship Program