Scholarly Opportunities

Bucksbaum-Siegler Institute for Clinical Excellence

Each year, the Bucksbaum-Siegler Institute for Clinical Excellence supports three to five medical students. These students will participate in research projects that explore the doctor-patient relationship, expose them to interdisciplinary programs, and allow them access to mentorship and publication opportunities.

Students who are selected will engage in a series of activities designed to look at issues in doctor-patient communication and clinical decision-making over a four year term (MS1-MS4).If the selected individual is an MD/PhD student, the student may be allowed to participate in additional years.

As a Bucksbaum-Siegler Medical Student Scholar, students will engage in structured activities designed to:

  • Provide students with leadership skills and mentoring;
  • Give students opportunities to do research with faculty scholars of the Bucksbaum Institute throughout medical school career and beyond;
  • Give students opportunities to share their research work with other peers;
  • Give students opportunities to participate in interdisciplinary programs (electives, research experiences, or seminars);
  • Enhance students’ physician skills as advisers, counselors, and navigators to help patients make informed decisions when facing complex treatment choices;
  • Provide students with in-depth knowledge of collaborative medicine and the doctor-patient relationship; and
  • Enhance students’ skills in clinical scholarship.

The Bucksbaum-Siegler Institute for Clinical Excellence Medical Student Scholars must demonstrate:

  • Strong academic record, including first-year medical school record;
  • Commitment to patients, collaborative medicine, and the doctor-patient relationship;
  • Commitment to clinical medicine and clinical scholarship;
  • Commitment to social justice, to improve access and quality of care, and to reduce health care disparities; and
  • Interest in interdisciplinary studies linking medicine to the social science and humanities.

Bucksbaum-Siegler Institute for Clinical Excellence Medical Student Scholars are expected to:

  • Continue to pursue their interests in the doctor-patient relationship through specialized coursework, interdisciplinary programs and seminars available to them through the Pritzker School of Medicine;
  • Participate in quarterly Lab meetings, Annual Symposium (Fall), and other Bucksbaum programming; and
  • Participate in the mentoring initiatives put forth by the Institute.

Bucksbaum-Siegler Medical Student Scholars are selected following acceptance to the Pritzker School of medicine, but prior to matriculation. Decisions are made following a review of the same application materials submitted to the Pritzker School of Medicine. While no additional material is needed, those with a special interest in the program are welcome to let this be known to the Pritzker admissions team. 

For more information, please visit the Bucksbaum-Siegler Institute webpage.