Student Summer Research Fellowship
The Women’s Dermatologic Society (WDS) is pleased to announce a Summer Fellowship for Underrepresented in Medicine (UIM) Students aimed at cultivating diverse applicants in the field of dermatology – the WDS Student Summer Research Fellowship (SRF).
The SRF provides up to $2000 for direct expenses associated with the participation of a UIM medical student in a research project, including but not limited to, travel/transportation, housing, meeting registration and research resources. Award funds may not be used for indirect expenses.
Purpose of Award
The SRF is available to UIM medical students who are interested in pursuing a career in dermatology. The purpose of this fellowship is to build upon the applicants’ fundamental knowledge of basic science or clinical research by pairing them with an experienced research mentor. The goal is for the medical student to gain valuable skills in developing and conducting evidence-based research that will add to the current available data or introduce a novel idea that is relevant to dermatology. The fellowship will support the in-depth participation of the student on the completion of a defined full-time research plan that will occur over a 6-12 week period, preferably during the summer after his/her 1st or 2nd year of medical school.
Eligibility Requirements
The WDS Student Summer Research Fellowship is available to UIM students who meet all of the following eligibility requirements:
- Is a full-time student identified as belonging to an underrepresented in medicine group defined by the AAMC as follows: Black/African-American, Hispanic/Latino, and Native American (American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander).
- Is pursuing an MD or DO degree at an accredited U.S. medical/osteopathic school.
- Is in good standing at their academic institution.
- Will be able to complete the research plan PRIOR to graduation.
- Completion of applicant forms and submission of supporting materials.
- Project must be a new project in any area of dermatology (medical dermatology, dermatopharmacology, dermatopathology, procedural dermatology, health policy/ethics, basic science, pediatric dermatology, etc.)
- Commitment to submitting a final report summarizing the student’s fellowship and outcome/progress of their project within 8 weeks of the end of the funding period.
- Mentor must be a WDS member in good standing. (Mentors may only apply with one applicant for the SRF)
- Proposed mentor will complete and submit a Statement of Intent/Letter of Recommendation to serve as the research mentor for the medical student (this must include statement confirming acceptance to serve as the research mentor and have knowledge of the proposed research idea)
Application Timeline
Applications Open: TBD
*Notification date is subject to change based on committee review process
Application Checklist
- Application Form (Online)
- Applicant's CV & Headshot
- Budget
- Letter of Support from a Dermatologist
- Statement of Intent/Letter of Recommendation from Mentor
Funding Requirements
Tips for a Successfully Funded Application
Awardees will be required to submit a standardized summary statement of their experience as well as receipts in order to receive their award funds. The award funds will be provided upon completion of the experience.