Pathway Program
The mission of the OPSD PRIME Programs is to enhance innovation in biomedical science and promote health equity by developing a diverse cohort of successful biomedical research scientists. The PRIME Summer Academy targets medical students and consists of an 8-week didactic/networking curriculum and mentored research training in the lab of a Duke faculty member.
Learn more about the PRIME Summer Academy below.
The Duke Office of Physician Scientist Development is offering in-depth summer research training experiences as part of the Preparing Research scholars In bioMEdical sciences (PRIME) pathway program. Participating medical students will pursue mentored training in one of three funded research programs: non-malignant Hematology (sickle cell disease, bleeding/clotting disorders), Ophthalmology, or Radiation Oncology.
The OPSD PRIME Academy is an enrichment program that exposes participants to research experiences and research career paths for physician-scientists. The program is currently open to medical students (matriculated or enrolled) who are seeking research opportunities.
The PRIME Academy consists of mentored research training in the group or lab of a participating Duke faculty member and a six- to eight-week didactic/networking curriculum. Selected students will work in a faculty member's research group/lab, gain clinical exposure, and benefit from the planned curriculum, discussion sessions and collaborations with other student participants.
Additional Details
- No prior experience in research necessary. Applicants only need to demonstrate a strong interest in science and a solid academic performance.
- Compensation: Participants receive a $6,000 salary for the 8-week program.
- Participants are responsible for securing their own room and board.
Application Procedure
To complete the application, you will need the following PDF files to upload:
- Undergraduate transcript (unofficial transcripts accepted)
- Curriculum vitae/resume with detailed information on any research experiences
- Medical school transcript (if you have been accepted but yet not started medical school please attach your acceptance letter), and
4. One letter of recommendation-support (from a mentor or advisor).
The application period for the 2024 PRIME Academy is closed.
We will invite selected participants to participate in a six- to eight-week internship from May 13th to July 26th.
Questions may be submitted via email at opsd@dm.duke.edu.
Third-Year Scholarships
The Third Year at the Duke University School of Medicine represents a distinctive opportunity for students to broaden their background in basic science as well as patient-oriented research (clinical research, epidemiology, population health), humanities and AI/BME the basis of clinical medicine. The primary goal of the third year is to develop tomorrow's physician leaders through a rigorous scholarly experience in biomedical-related research.
For a comprehensive list of scholarship opportunities for third-year students, visit the website HERE.
OPSD also offers two scholarships for third-year medical students who are interested in conducting research, which are funded by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund and Dr. John Poindexter, a Duke alumnus. Students who are interested in taking a second third year to conduct research are also eligible to apply.
THE APPLICATION PORTAL WILL REOPEN IN THE SPRING OF 2025
The Duke Physician Scientist Institutional Award (BWF) Research Fellowship for Medical Students is designed to encourage rising third year medical students to undertake a basic/bench research project at Duke University, with preference given to those who plan to commit to doing a second third year. There will be one $10,000 award given for the first year, and a $25,000 award for the second year, contingent upon satisfactory performance in the first year. MS2 applicants for the $10,000 award must apply submit by the application due date. In addition to this application, applicants must provide the name, position/title, and email address of three individuals other than your primary mentor who are knowledgeable about your accomplishments and/or research interests. This program is made possible through a grant from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund (BWF).
For more information contact the Office for Physician Scientist Development (opsd@dm.duke.edu).
THE APPLICATION PORTAL WILL REOPEN IN THE SPRING OF 2025
The Poindexter Scholars in Basic Sciences Program is designed to encourage rising third year medical students to participate in research projects under the guidance of basic science faculty members in the School of Medicine. This program is focused on basic science research, and priority will be given to those who identify laboratories in basic science departments, though applicants doing basic research in Clinical departments are also encouraged to apply. There will be one $10,000 award given for the first year, and a $25,000 award for the second year, contingent upon satisfactory performance in the first year. MS2 applicants for the award must complete the Duke Internal Scholarship Application form and submit by the application due date. In addition to this application, applicants must provide the name, position/title, and email address of three individuals other than your primary mentor who are knowledgeable about your accomplishments and/or research interests. This program is made possible through the generosity of Dr. John Poindexter, an alumnus of the School of Medicine.
For more information please visit Internal Scholarships Website or contact the Office for Physician Scientist Development (opsd@dm.duke.edu).
Other Opportunities
Below are links that are external to Duke for scholarships, programs, funding, and research opportunities.
American Society of Hematology Minority Medical Student Award Program
American Society of Hematology Student Physician-Scientist Award
The American Physician Scientist Association has a wonderful compilation of finding mechanisms for pre-doctoral physician-scientists