External Scholarships

Criteria for approving Third Year Duke medical student scholarship research at institutions outside Duke University Medical Center: All standards required for students performing research in Duke University Medical Center laboratories/research environments should be met (including, but not limited to the following):

  • Students may only work with research mentors approved by the Third Year curriculum committee (approval based on publication record, experience in mentoring, and demonstration of funding for project).
  • Procedures and criteria for conduct of research, grading, preparation of thesis, time lines for completion are identical to those at Duke University Medical Center.
  • Research project and mentor must be identified as part of an existing research study track.

In addition, all outside laboratories must also agree to the following:

  • A description of the research program and criteria expected of the student should be provided to both the Third Year Committee and the Scholarship Committee for formal approval prior to announcing the opportunity.
  • Description of the program and selection criteria should be distributed to all potential recipients by the Duke Student Research Scholarship Committee (so all students have an equal chance at opportunity) and selection criteria determined in advance.
  • The Duke third year research study track director will be the official liaison between the outside mentor and the third year committee, providing oversight responsibility (just as at Duke).
  • Outside mentors are limited to one student/mentor each year.
  • Outside institutions shall not place restrictions on publication of student’s research.
  • Outside institutions shall not require the student to sign a confidentiality agreement pertaining to any aspect of the student's research project. All other confidentiality agreements must be evaluated and approved by the duke office of technology transfer before being signed by the student; any such agreements must be processed and signed before the student begins their 3rd year research.
  • Students may not be employed by an outside institution; only scholarships previously approved by the Third Year Committee and Scholarship Committee are allowed.
  • Outside institutions must be willing to recognize Duke’s portion of ownership of any patent emerging from the student’s research.

The Society's Physician-Scientist Career Development Award is an opportunity for medical students to gain experience in hematology research and to learn more about the specialty by immersing themselves in a yearlong laboratory, translational, or clinical investigation under the mentorship of an ASH member. The total amount of the award is $42,000. The award is comprised of $32,000 to support the trainee, a $4,000 research allowance for supplies, $4,000 for insurance and educational expenses (including one course), and $2,000 for meeting attendance. The award is for a one-year period. For more information, including eligibility requirements, application process, and application deadline, go to https://www.hematology.org/awards/medical-student/physician-scientist-award

The Global Health Fellowship Program is a one-year clinical research training program for pre- and post-doctoral candidates, sponsored by the Fogarty International Center (FIC) and several collaborating institutes and centers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The purpose of the program is to support a one-year mentored research fellowship for clinical investigators studying diseases and conditions in developing countries. Several training sites are available through the Vanderbilt-Emory-Cornell-Duke (VECD) Consortium. For more information, including eligibility and application deadline, please see https://www.fic.nih.gov/Programs/Pages/scholars-fellows-global-health.aspx

The Gertrude B. Elion Mentored Medical Student Research Award will provide annual awards in the amount of $10,000. These awards will support women medical students who are interested in pursuing health-related research projects. Students must have an interest in health research, and must have the support of a faculty mentor. Due March 1. For more information, click https://trianglecf.org/award/gertrude-b-elion-mentored-medical-student-research-award/

The NIEHS Medical Student Research Fellowships one-year research training opportunity for third-year medical students will be available for the academic year. Details on how to apply can be found below. Interested students should email the Program Director, Janet E. Hall, M.D. with inquiries about potential projects and mentors. Fellowships will begin in late summer/early fall.  Research should have an “environmental medicine” theme. For more information go to https://www.niehs.nih.gov/careers/research/med-students/index.cfm.

The Medical Research Scholars Program is a year long research immersion program for future clinician-scientists that advances health by inspiring careers in biomedical research. By engaging students in basic, clinical, or translational research investigations, offering a curriculum rich in didactics and professional development, and featuring a robust mentorship and advising program, MRSP prepares its Scholars to become tomorrow's leaders in medicine and biomedical research.

The 10-12 month program is designed for students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, have a strong interest in conducting basic, translational, clinical or epidemiological research and are currently enrolled in their 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year at an accredited medical program.

Applications due in January. For more information , please visit the NIH Clinical Center’s Office of Clinical Research Training and Medical Education website at www.cc.nih.gov/training/mrsp or contact mrsp@mail.nih.gov.

The Sarnoff Fellowship Program offers medical students enrolled in accredited U.S. medical schools the opportunity to spend a year conducting intensive work in a biomedical research facility in the United States.

We strongly encourage students to spend the Fellowship year at an institution in the United States other than their medical school, but recognize that, for some, leaving their home institution could present a significant hardship. Requests for exceptions to this policy will be considered based on personal reasons and availability of suitable laboratories, but must be stated at the time of application.

Applicants enrolled in an MD/PhD program are not eligible for a Sarnoff Fellowship. Fellowship awardees receive an annual stipend of $32,000, in addition to an allowance for travel to select a Preceptor and Fellowship laboratory, moving expenses, health insurance, computer and laboratory supplies, and travel to scientific meetings. Application due in January. For more information, please see https://sarnofffellowship.com/Default.asp or contact Dr. Neil Freedman.