UM-SMART Program for MD/PhD training

The goal of the UM-SMART program is to help students decide if a career as a physician-scientist is right for them, and to enhance competitiveness when applying to MD/PhD programs. This 10-week program is aimed at students who have some amount of basic and mechanistic research experience related to medicine and are interested in gaining more experience to advance their career goals.  UM-SMART is not intended for students seeking clinical research experience on human subjects.  Additionally, we do not offer opportunities in public health, the social sciences, or humanities.

Application opens:  November 1, 2021

Application deadline:  January 31, 2022

Tentative Program dates:  May 31, 2022 – August 5, 2022

Program Highlights: (visit the website for more information)

Students participating in a lab receive a stipend of $4,400 plus dormitory housing and a meal allowance.

The main scientific focus of the summer program is to provide full-time laboratory biomedical research, as well as

  • Two half day clinical shadowing experiences
  • Online MCAT preparation accessible for 12 months
  • Oral and Poster presentation and relevant seminars
  • “Big Sib” Mentoring Program
  • Attend 3-day MSTP annual scientific retreat

Eligibility: (see the website for more information)

Applicants belonging to groups that have been traditionally underrepresented in biomedical research are strongly encouraged to apply. This includes:  Individuals from underrepresented racial or ethnic groups, individuals with disabilities, such as those with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds such as family annual income below established low-income thresholds, or an educational environment that has inhibited the individual from obtaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to develop and participate in a research career.

In addition, applicants must

  • Be a US Citizen or permanent resident of the US
  • Complete sophomore year by June 1, 2021
  • Maintain a minimum 3.2 grade point average
  • Complete 50 hours of research lab experience by June 1, 2022
  • Submit two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from a research mentor or instructor

To apply to the UM-SMART program, follow this link:  https://umms-omse.smapply.io/prog/um-smart_summer_undergraduate_research_program_2022

For more information please visit their website:

https://medicine.umich.edu/medschool/education/md-phd-program/um-smart-undergrad-summer-program

https://medicine.umich.edu/medschool/education/md-phd-program/um-smart-undergrad-summer-program/frequently-asked-questions

Should you have any questions about the program please feel free to contact the University of Michigan MSTP office at mstp@umich.edu

By Dan Poux (He/Him)
Dan Poux (He/Him) Career Coach