Health Professions Advising

Health Professions Newsletter: 12/8/25

JOB POSTINGS | PRE-HEALTH | STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS | DENTAL | MEDICINE | OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY | OPTOMETRY | PHARMACY | PHYSICAL THERAPY | PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT | PODIATRY | SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY | VETERINARY | OTHER PROFESSIONS | SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES | TESTING RESOURCES*

PRE-HEALTH

  • NEW! OSCAR Virtual Fall Celebration of Student Scholarship and Impact (12/9)
  • NEW! Chemistry Department Fall 2025 Undergraduate Research Presentations (12/9)
  • GeorgeSquared Virtual Information Sessions & In-Person Open House (upcoming dates: 12/11 & 12/15)
  • NEW! Drexel University Post-Bac Program Virtual Information Session (12/15)
  • NEW! CareerEco: Healthcare Virtual Career and Grad Fair (12/16)
  • OSCAR: Get Funding for Your Experiential Learning Project!
  • Inova OB/GYN Research Opportunity For Pre-Health Students
  • GMU University Studies Peer Advisor Opportunity
  • NEW! APDerm Gap Year Medical Assistant Virtual Open House (12/12)
  • Yale Undergraduate Research Conference
  • Pre-Health Shadowing Opportunity
  • Free Knack Tutoring For Select Courses
  • Finally! A Pre-Health Checkbox!

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

  • Pre-Pharmacy Society: Last Meeting of Semester (12/8)

DENTAL

  • University of Minnesota School of Dentistry: Mini Dental School 2026 Program

MEDICINE

  • NEW! Latino Medical Student Association Annual Northeast Research Symposium – Call for Abstracts
  • Pre-Med Senior Researcher Position Available
  • Guide to DOing Med School Podcast
  • Joel Schwab, MD “On Being a Doctor” Lecture Series – Certificate Program
  • Georgetown School of Medicine Information Sessions (upcoming dates: 12/9)
  • AAMC Preparing for the MCAT Exam Webinar (12/9)
  • NEW! UCLA DGSOM Medical School Insight Series I (upcoming dates: 12/9 & 1/13)
  • NEW! VCOM Virtual Physician Experience (1/8)
  • Military Medical Community Events (upcoming date: 1/12)
  • NEW! University of Pittsburgh Physician Scientist Training Program Webinar (1/26)
  • AACOM Osteopathic Medical College Recruiting Events

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

More to come soon!

OPTOMETRY

  • UC Berkeley Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry Information Sessions (upcoming dates: 12/19)
  • Eye Opener Program – Optometry Shadowing

PHARMACY

  • NEW! University of Maryland PharmD Q&A Session (12/11)
  • VCU School of Pharmacy Open Houses (upcoming date: 12/12 & 1/23)
  • Pharmacy4Me Events Calendar

PHYSICAL THERAPY

  • NEW! Northeastern University DPT Info Program (upcoming dates: 12/9 & 1/13)
  • University of Pittsburgh DPT Virtual Information Sessions (upcoming dates: 12/10 & 12/15)
  • NEW! University of Lynchburg DPT Virtual Information Session (12/10)
  • Old Dominion University DPT Q&A Sessions (upcoming date: 12/19 & 1/16)
  • Thomas Jefferson University DPT Virtual Information Sessions (upcoming dates: 1/13)

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT

  • James Madison University PA Virtual Information Session (upcoming dates: 12/16)
  • Shenandoah University MS PA Studies Health Professions Building Tour (upcoming date: 1/27)

PODIATRY

More to come soon!

SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY

  • University of Virginia M.Ed. in Communication Sciences and Disorders Virtual Visit Event (upcoming dates: 12/12)
  • UVA Undergraduate Leading with Heart: Exploring Careers in Human Development (upcoming dates: 12/18)

VETERINARY

  • Middleburg Humane Foundation Volunteer Opportunity
  • Veterinary Professions Virtual Fair (1/6)

OTHER PROFESSIONS

  • Virginia Tech Master’s of Public Health Virtual Information Session (12/9)
  • Tulane University School of Public Health Virtual Seminar Series upcoming dates: (12/9 & 12/15)
  • Shenandoah University Education Counseling: MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (12/11)

SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES

  • NEW! Pre-Med Clinical Gap Year Internship: Rachel Rubin MD Urology and Sexual Medicine Private Practice
  • Georgetown University Academy for Research, Clinical and Health Equity Scholarship (ARCHES) + NEW! Virtual Info Session
  • Smithsonian Mason: Summer Research Experience in Conservation Biology
  • NEW! Inova Trauma Acute Care Surgery Externship
  • UVA Summer Research Internship Program (SRIP) + Virtual Info Session (1/6)
  • GW Summer Program Advancing Research on Cancer (GW-SPARC)
  • VCU Summer Academic Enrichment Program (SAEP)
  • VCU Allied Health Career Exploration (AHCE)
  • Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) + NEW! Virtual Info Session (12/16)
  • NEW! Anderson Orthopaedic Clinic Summer Programs
  • AAMC Pre-Health Summer Opportunities Databases
  • Optometry Summer Programs

Featured Opportunities

This is a great opportunity for ambitious post-graduate candidates who wish to pursue further medical training such as Medical School or Physician Assistant School. Excellent candidates will gain valuable clinical and patient care experience. Location is in Northern VA, about 20 mins away from DC! It is a full time position intended for graduates! See our flyer for more details!

  1. Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) – Positive Behavior Supports Corporation
  2. Medical Assistant – PMA Health
  3. Medical Assistant Sleep Center – Virginia Heart
  4. Medical Office Assistant – Capital Center for Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine
  5. Receptionist Medical Assistant – Norvinia Health
  6. Dermatology 2026 Gap Year Experience – ADCS Clinics

  •  
  • OSCAR Virtual Fall Celebration of Student Scholarship and Impact (12/9)

OSCAR holds the celebration three times a year, inviting undergraduate students to share their projects with the Mason community and celebrate what other Mason undergraduate students have accomplished this year.

We will host an in-person Watch Party on December 9th from 11:30 am to 1 pm.
Location: Johnson Center Meeting Room B (3rd floor)
Food, prizes, giveaways, networking, and games! Join in person for more chances to win
Registration: https://cglink.me/2d7/r2291642 

Check out our Celebration page for more information: https://celebration.oscar.gmu.edu/

  • Chemistry Department Fall 2025 Undergraduate Research Presentations (12/9)

Join us on Tuesday, December 9th in Horizon Hall room 1008 to watch Oral Presentations and Poster Department Awards. 

2025 Fall UG Research End-of-Semester Flyer

See you there!

  • GeorgeSquared Virtual Information Sessions & In-Person Open House (upcoming dates: 12/11 & 12/15)

In-Person Open House: 

Please complete this survey if you want to participate in an In-Person Open House.

Virtual Information Session:

    • Thursday, December 11th at 12:00 PM 
    • Monday, December 15th at 5:00 PM 

The Virtual Information Session will include a presentation/webinar about the program and the opportunity to chat with program staff and alumni. Please complete the survey below if you want to participate in an Online Information Session.

 
  • Drexel University Post-Bac Program Virtual Information Session (12/15)

Join our virtual information session to learn about our pre-medical and pre-health programs. We offer five graduate-level enhancer programs and one career-changer program, affiliated with DUCOM and other programs. Our programs set thousands of students on a path to success in medical, dental, optometry, and other health professions schools. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of all our offerings, as well as an opportunity to ask questions.

    • Date: Monday, December 15, 2025
    • Time: 1:00 PM-2:00 PM
    • Location: Online

Register Now!

 
  • CareerEco: Healthcare Virtual Career and Grad Fair (12/16)

Join us for the Virtual Career and Grad Fair to connect with health professionals and learn more about careers, pathways, and healthcare!

    • Date: December 16,  2025
    • Time: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM (Eastern Time)

Register Here!

  • OSCAR: Get Funding for Your Experiential Learning Project!

    George Mason’s Mason Impact program offers Mini Grants (up to $500) for undergraduate students who are working on a course-based project, student org initiative, or any experiential learning activity. These grants help cover costs like lab supplies, travel, art materials, participant stipends, and more. To be eligible, you must:
    • Be an enrolled undergraduate at Mason

    • Complete a Mason Impact Project during the semester you receive funding

    • Be part of a Mason Impact + course, or work with a faculty/staff mentor

Applications are open on a rolling basis from July 28 to April 13. Projects funded through the grant should be completed within the semester and, once done, students can have the project designated on their transcript. To learn more, please visit the website.

  • Inova OB/GYN Research Opportunity For Pre-Health Students

I am reaching out to share a research opportunity that may be of interest to our pre-health students, especially those interested in clinical research, women’s health, ultrasound, or OB/GYN. Dr. S. Abbas Shobeiri (MD, MBA), who previously taught BENG 314/514 as adjunct faculty in our department, is seeking undergraduate, Master’s, or medical students to assist with an ongoing IRB-approved project at Inova:

Project PI: S. Abbas Shobeiri, MD, MBA
Department: OB/GYN
Contact: [email protected]
Project Title: Ultrasound Database and Symptom Inventory (UDSI)
Project Description: We are seeking undergraduate, Masters, or medical students who can perform data entry throughout the year.  The students who perform the data entry will have the opportunity to be involved in formal studies driven from the database.  In this IRB approved database, the main objective is to utilize our blinded HIPPA compliant database to investigate various pelvic floor pathologies seen on ultrasound and establish the correlation between different ultrasound measurements and pelvic floor symptoms.

Is this project available for Summer 2026 (for students between M1 and M2): 

__X_ Yes          ____ No

**Is this project available beyond Summer 2026 (or beforehand) for longitudinal student volunteers (Class of 2026 and 2027):

__X_ Yes          ___ No

If interested, please email Dr. Shobeiri at [email protected].

 

  • GMU University Studies Peer Advisor Opportunity

It’s that time of year! University Studies is seeking eligible undergraduate students to apply for the role of Peer Advisor to serve as a junior instructor in UNIV 100 – ‘Introduction to George Mason’ in Fall 2026. This is a paid, on-campus position.

Applicants must be in good standing with the Student Code of Conduct, have a 2.5 GPA or higher, and be currently enrolled as an undergraduate student. More information and the application can be found here: University Studies Peer Advisor

Applications to teach Fall 2026 will close December 19, 2025

All applicants are required to attend a 30-minute information session. Sessions can be found on  Mason360. Simply sign in, search “University Studies,” and register for the session of your choice.

Please encourage interested students to reach out to me or email [email protected] with any questions.

  • APDerm Gap Year Medical Assistant Virtual Open House (12/12)

Welcome to our Open House! This is an opportunity to learn how to become a Gap Year Medical Assistant. Great for Pre-Med, Pre-PA & Pre-NP.

The Gap Year Program currently employs roughly 100 Gap Year Medical Assistants, who spend the 1-3 years with us gaining clinical experience and valuable knowledge of medical world. The Gap Year Medical Assistants are fulltime employees of the company and receive competitive compensation and full benefits. 

    • Date: Friday December 12th
    • Time: 5:30 – 7:30PM
    • Location: Virtual
    • The event will be held virtually; you can join HERE.

The formal application for the APDerm Gap Year program can be found HERE. The application will CLOSE at the end of the day on 12/31/2025.

  • Yale Undergraduate Research Conference

Undergraduate students from across the country are invited to present their original research at the Yale Undergraduate Research Conference (YURC), one of the largest student-run conferences in the U.S. This will be hosted on February 20-22 2026 in New Haven, CT.

As a participant, you’ll:

    • Share your research with a national audience across disciplines, from the sciences to the humanities

    • Attend panels and sessions designed for in-depth discussion and feedback

    • Network with other student researchers and faculty mentors

    • Gain experience presenting your work and building your academic profile

This Conference features keynote addresses across all disciplines of research as well as over $10,000 in prize money to presenters. This is a great opportunity to showcase your research, connect with peers, and engage in a vibrant national community of undergraduate scholars. For more information, please visit https://www.yura.yale.edu/yurc.

Key Dates/Deadlines:

    • Application Opens: September 1st
    • Application Deadline: January 1st
    • Late Registration Deadline: February 1st
  • Pre-Health Shadowing Opportunity

Are you looking to gain shadowing experience, explore different healthcare careers, and strengthen your application for graduate programs — all from the comfort of your own home?

Pre-Health Shadowing is a free, student-led virtual platform designed to help pre-health students like you get the experience and exposure you need to succeed in your healthcare journey.

Note: While virtual shadowing may be beneficial to explore professions, it is not a substitute for in-person shadowing. GMU Health Professions Advising encourages Pre-Health students to seek local opportunities and to only use virtual shadowing as a supplement.

What we Offer:

    • Live Virtual Shadowing Sessions
      Interact with healthcare professionals from a wide range of fields in real time.

    • On-Demand Access & Certificates
      Watch recorded sessions at your convenience and earn certificates of completion.

    • Free Educational Resources
      Enhance your knowledge with curated materials and insights from experts.

    • Networking Opportunities
      Connect with a global community of students and mentors in healthcare.

    • Ultimate Flexibility
      Join from anywhere and fit sessions into your busy schedule.

Whether you’re pre-med, pre-dental, pre-PA, or exploring other healthcare careers, Pre-Health Shadowing offers a unique and accessible way to build your experience and confidence.

Sign up and learn more at: https://www.prehealthshadowing.com

If you have any questions or want help getting started, feel free to reach out!

Wishing you success on your journey to a healthcare career,
Praneetha Thutika
On behalf of the Pre-Health Shadowing Team
[email protected]
www.prehealthshadowing.com

  • Free Knack Tutoring For Select Courses

Knack Tutoring: The university has partnered with Knack, a peer-to-peer tutoring platform, to provide students with free access to high-level tutoring services for several undergraduate courses in nine departments.  Knack hires high-achieving George Mason students, trains them as tutors, and provides a platform for students in these courses to sign up for and receive tutoring, either online or in-person. This service is a supplement to the existing tutoring resources at George Mason. Students can sign up and learn more here: https://learningservices.gmu.edu/knack/
Knack Peer Tutoring Courses (full list of course on the website)
BIOL 103 – Introductory Biology II – Survey of Cell and Molecular Biology BIOL 124 – Human Anatomy and Physiology I BIOL 125 – Human Anatomy and Physiology II BIOL 213 – Cell Structure and Function BIOL 214 – Biostatistics of Biology Majors BIOL 430 – Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology I
CHEM 103 – Chemical Science in a Modern Society CHEM 211 – General Chemistry I CHEM 212 – General Chemistry II CHEM 313 – Organic Chemistry I CHEM 314 – Organic Chemistry II
MATH 105 – Precalculus Mathematics MATH 108 – Introductory Calculus with Business Application MATH 113 – Analytic Geometry and Calculus I MATH 114 – Analytic Geometry and Calculus II MATH 123 – Calculus with Algebra/Trigonometry, Part A MATH 124 – Calculus with Algebra/Trigonometry, Part B STAT 250 – Introductory Statistics I
Learning Services:  In addition to this new service, the university’s Learning Services office continues to provide a variety of free, experience-based learning opportunities for the George Mason community, including one-on-one academic coaching, academic success workshops, outreach presentations, and online resources. In a working group last year, faculty identified help with broad skills like these as one of the biggest needs for undergraduate students struggling in their classes, so please continue to encourage students to use this resource: https://learningservices.gmu.edu/.
Other Tutoring: George Mason academic units continue to offer tutoring in a variety of areas. Learning Services maintains (to the best of their ability) a list of these tutoring services offered by academic departments and offices around the university: https://learningservices.gmu.edu/tutoring-resources2/
We hope you will encourage students interested in being a tutor or who may need help in their classes to visit these websites and services! Please feel free to reach out to Vicki Dominick, Associate Director of Learning Services, with questions.
 
  • Finally! A Pre-Health Checkbox!

In case you missed it, we now have a Pre-Health Checkbox in Patriot Connect! While this is not an official designation (because Pre-Health is not a major or minor at George Mason University), selecting this lets your support team know of your interest in a health profession and helps us understand the size of our Pre-Health population. Instructions for students are below:

Note: Currently, the Pre-Health checkbox does not automatically subscribe you to the Pre-Health Listserv. To receive emails for our monthly newsletter and opportunities, subscribe here: https://prehealth.gmu.edu/listserv/.

Student Instructions

After logging into Patriot Connect (connect.gmu.edu),

  1. Click My Academic Profile
  2. Check the Interested in Pre-Health box
  3. Click Update Pre-Health Designation

If career plans change, follow the same steps to uncheck the box at any time.

 

  • Pre-Pharmacy Society: Last Meeting of Semester (12/8)

Our Last Meeting for the Semester is Monday, 8 December, from 5:00 to 6:45PM in Planetary Hall, Room 224. To destress, we will compound Gel Hand Sanitiser. 

    • Date: Monday, 8 December
    • Time: 5:00 to 6:45PM
    • Location: Planetary Hall, Room 224

 

  • University of Minnesota School of Dentistry: Mini Dental School 2026 Program

Mini Dental School is a free annual event put together by dental students and the admissions committee at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. This event includes 7 online lecture series that are held over Zoom, as well an one in-person session held at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry where you will get to speak with current dental students and the admissions committee. Completing this application will enroll you in the Zoom lecture series and participant selection for the in-person series will be based on responses through this form as well as attendance. If you attend 6 of the 7 online lectures, you will receive an ASDA Certificate of Completion! We are so excited for this years event and we can’t wait to see your applications! Please refer to our official flyer for more information!

 
6 out of 7 required:
January 26th, 7:00-8:00 PM – Introduction to Oral Anatomy
February 2nd, 7:00-8:00 PM – Overview of Cariology and Restorative Dentistry
February 9th, 7:00-8:00 PM – Esthetic Dentistry
February 16th, 7:00-8:00 PM – Prosthodontics
February 23rd, 7:00-8:00 PM – Oral Surgery
March 2nd, 7:00-8:00 PM – Periodontics
March 9th, 7:00-8:00 PM – Oral Pathology
 
Not required:
In-Person Session 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM – March 28th, 2026
Deadline to sign up for Mini Dental School is December 19th, 2025 @ 12:00 AM CST (1:00AM EST)
 

  • Latino Medical Student Association Annual Northeast Research Symposium – Call for Abstracts

The Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA)–Northeast thanks you for your interest in submitting an abstract to our 53rd annual conference to be hosted March 6-8, 2026 by Jacobs School of Medicine and Biological Sciences in Buffalo, NY! As part of the weekend, we will be holding a research symposium sponsored by the International Journal of Medical Students! We are excited to review your research and for the opportunity to showcase advancements in your field.

Accepted Abstracts:
Important Dates:
    • Abstract Submission Deadline: December 19th, 2025 5:00 PM EST
    • Submission Updates: We will notify you of your submission status the week of January 9th, 2026.
    • Poster/PowerPoint Submission Deadline: February 13, 2026
    • Research Symposium: Friday, March 6, 2026 (afternoon)

To submit your abstract, fill out this form!


  • Pre-Med Senior Researcher Position Available

My name is Darya Mason, and I am part of Dr. Stephanie Waggel’s research team based in Northern Virginia. We are looking for one more senior researcher to work on our team, and we would love for your students at George Mason University to apply. This position requires 20 hours a week, and it is excellent research experience for pre-medical students. Dr. Waggel is also an excellent physician to learn from, since she is also an educator beyond her role as a physician. I have attached the flyer for the position to this email.
Email CV and cover letter to: [email protected].

  • Guide to DOing Med School Podcast

Happy November! This is Sammy – 4th year medical student and Co-Producer of an osteopathic student support podcast. The podcast – YPN’s Guide to D.O.ing Med School – just got a new look AND posted episode 4 of season 2. We hope you’ll share via email, on your website, social media, or wherever else with pre-med students!
Our first season covered success first year of medical school – from setting up your finances to learning new study strategies, and our second season is focusing on second year and on. So far, we’ve covered what rotations look like, attending conferences, and applying for fellowships. Episodes post monthly to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube – always for students, by students and 100% free.
  • Joel Schwab, MD “On Being a Doctor” Lecture Series – Certificate Program

The Bucksbaum‑Siegler Institute for Clinical Excellence at the University of Chicago offers a monthly lecture series exploring the human side of medicine—how doctors communicate, empathize, and build relationships with patients. The series is named in honor of Dr. Joel Schwab, a beloved pediatrician and mentor, and features experts from UChicago and around the country presenting on topics like clinical care, ethics, empathy, and decision-making.

Students interested in the OBD Certificate must:

  1. Use this form to sign-up for the Certificate Program
  2. Register for each lecture using the Zoom links below
  3. Attend a minimum of 4 of the 5 scheduled OBD Lectures
  4. Submit a 500 word reflection of your learning outcomes from the lectures

Participants can:

    • Attend lectures online, open to students nationwide

    • Earn a certificate of completion by attending at least four lectures and submitting a reflection

    • Receive special recognition for attending all lectures, including an invitation to a session with the Director of Admissions at UChicago’s Pritzker School of Medicine

This series provides an opportunity to deepen understanding of the interpersonal side of healthcare, enhance professional development, and showcase commitment to patient-centered care on resumes or health-professions applications.

For more information, visit us here!

 

  • Georgetown School of Medicine Information Sessions (upcoming dates: 12/9)

Student Panels will be dedicated to Q&A with some of our current students who serve as Student Ambassadors. This type of session is great for applicants who know they want to apply to Georgetown, but want more information about student life. Please note that Student Ambassadors may not be as familiar with admissions criteria, requirements, or processes and may be unable to assist with those questions.
Traditional Information Sessions consist of an in-depth presentation (30 min) by an Admissions staff member about all things GUSOM: the philosophy of education, curriculum, student activities, as well as information about the application process. The remainder of the time will be dedicated to Q&A with an Admissions Officer.
This type of session is best if you are unfamiliar with GUSOM and would like general information or have questions about specifics related to the admissions process.
    • December 9th at 12pm – Traditional Info Session

Register Here! If you run into any problems or extra questions, please reach out to [email protected].

 

  • AAMC Preparing for the MCAT Exam Webinar (12/9)

Preparing for the MCAT® Exam? Join us at our next webinar for an overview of the AAMC MCAT Official Prep resources and get tips on how to use them to create an effective study plan. Sign up to kickstart your exam preparation today!

    • Date: Tue Dec 9 2025
    • Time: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM 

Register: https://aamc.elevate.commpartners.com/p/251209_MCAT?referral=Website

 

  • UCLA DGSOM Medical School Insight Series I (upcoming dates: 12/9 & 1/13)

The Anatomy of a Competitive Med School Applicant

Uncover the key attributes that help applicants shine in a competitive medical school admissions process. 

Mission-Aligned Review and You

Learn about mission-aligned review and how to strengthen your med school application, even without your ideal GPA, through utilizing resources and academic support strategies.

Mock Multiple Mini Interview

Sharpen your interview skills with a practice Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) session, which includes two mock questions with an interviewer. Space is limited. 

AAMC PREview Professional Readiness Exam

Get a comprehensive overview of the AAMC PREview Professional Readiness Exam- its structure, purpose, and how it can support your application.

 

  • VCOM Virtual Physician Experience (1/8)

Join VCOM for the Virtual Physician Experience. Hear current physicians from a range of specialties share their journeys to practicing medicine and what it is like to be D.O. Then, talk to VCOM admissions experts about the application process.

    • Date: January 8th, 2026
    • Time: 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm, EST
    • Location: Virtual

Register for the event here.  Zoom links will be sent to registrants closer to the event.

Questions?  Contact Kari Pallas at [email protected]

  • Military Medical Community Events (upcoming date: 1/12)

The Military Medical Community invites your students to join us! Each event features presentations from tri-service physicians followed by breakout rooms for networking and building your Military Medical Community. All events start at 6:30 PM Eastern | 3:30 PM Pacific. Build community in the second hour (7:30 PM Eastern | 4:30 PM Pacific) after presentations by featured speakers by joining your preferred room. Talk to program directors, physicians, students, and recruiters. For more information, please visit our website: https://medschool.usuhs.edu/resources/military-medical-communities

Upcoming Events

    • Amputee Care: Plastics, PM&R, Dermatology January 12th, 2026
    • Surgery February 2nd, 2026
    • Critical Care, Pulmonary, Anesthesia March 2nd, 2026
    • Ophthalmology, ENT, Neurosurgery April 13th, 2026
    • Psychiatry and Neurology May 4th, 2026
    • Pediatrics June 1st, 2026
    • Gynecologic Surgery & Obstetrics July 13th, 2026

Meeting Links

Main Presentation | 413-438-3993; PIN: 817 389 975#

Break out rooms

Specialties
Preventive Medicine | 747-236-1735 PIN: 894 307 809#
Aerospace Medicine | 414-439-0579 PIN: 516 818 861#
Occupational Medicine | 812-777-5602 PIN: 708 357 190#
Tropical Medicine | 413-327-2274 PIN: 523 075 693#

Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP)
Air Force HPSP | 470-326-0109 PIN: 827 099 891#
Army HPSP | 575-914-2320 PIN: 722 267 124#
Navy HPSP | 570-818-2249 PIN: 419 085 795#

Uniformed Services University (USU)
Medical School Admissions | 224-215-0110 PIN: 799 542 011#
USU Student Life | 413-752-0017 PIN: 219 317 758#
USU MD/PhD | 628-888-1619 PIN: 137 016 021#

  • University of Pittsburgh Physician Scientist Training Program Webinar (1/26)

If you’re a pre-med student interested in research, come learn about the University of Pittsburgh’s Physician Scientist Training Program (PSTP)! The PSTP is a 5-year medical school program that adds a year of basic or translational research to the regular Pitt Med experience. The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine is a research powerhouse with great clinical training and welcomes applications from students residing outside of Pennsylvania.

Benefits of the PSTP include:

    •  Protected research time
    • $10,000 of tuition assistance for each year of medical school
    • Individualized mentoring and an innovative enrichment curriculum

All levels of study are welcome to attend; we just ask that attendees register before the event!

For Questions, email [email protected]

  • AACOM Osteopathic Medical College Recruiting Events

Come take a look at our events calendar to learn about osteopathic medicine-related events: https://www.aacom.org/become-a-doctor/prepare-for-medical-school/com-recruiting-events.    

More to come soon!

  • UC Berkeley Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry Information Sessions (upcoming dates: 12/19)

Presenting: So You Want to Apply to the Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science? This 45 minute to 1 hour webinar will cover:

      • Why Berkeley Optometry
      • How to Prepare for Admissions
      • Updates on our Application Process
      • Discussions on Application Strategy
      • Time for Q&A at the End

Upcoming Sessions: 

      • Friday, December 19th at 1:00pm REGISTER

Email [email protected] for questions!

  • Eye Opener Program – Optometry Shadowing

The Eye Opener Session program (eyeopenersession.org) is a matching service for potential and future optometry students who are looking for a Doctor of Optometry to shadow, via in person or virtually, to learn more about a day-in-the-life of an optometrist (OD). Communication can also be done via chat and/or email. Students will be matched with an OD based on geographical information, common interests, and goals.

Website: https://www.eyeopenersession.org/

  •  

  • University of Maryland PharmD Q&A Session (12/11)

The University of Maryland School of Pharmacy invites prospective students to attend an Admissions Q&A Session. This virtual event will address all inquiries related to the PharmD program application process. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with members of the admissions team and current PharmD students, ensuring they receive the necessary guidance for successful program preparation and matriculation. To learn more about us, visit our page.

    • Date: Thursday, December 11th, 2025
    • Time: 1:30-2:30pm
    • Location: Zoom

We’re looking forward to you joining us! No registration required.

Zoom Link: https://umaryland.zoom.us/j/99400674629

  • VCU School of Pharmacy Open Houses (upcoming date: 12/12 & 1/23)

Open Houses are open to anyone interested in the VCU School of Pharmacy. Attending an open house gives you the opportunity to:

    • Learn more about our programs
    • Ask questions about the admissions process
    • Tour the MCV campus
    • Get a sense of student life from current students

Select a date from our calendar and register for an Open House today! For more information, please visit: https://pharmacy.vcu.edu/programs/pharmd/program-overview/

Come take a look at our events calendar to learn about pharmacy-related events: https://pharmacyforme.org/events/list/

  • Northeastern University DPT Info Program (upcoming dates: 12/9 & 1/13)

We are excited to share an update to our evening chat sessions! These chats are intended for the applicants of the 2025-2026 PTCAS cycle who are interested in learning more about our program. These chats will feature faculty who can answer any questions you may have about the program!

    • Tuesday, December 9th 7-8pm EST Click Here to Register
    • Tuesday, January 13th, 7-8pm EST
    • Tuesday, February 10th, 7-8pm EST
    • Tuesday, March 10th, 7-8pm EST

Link for all three:
https://northeastern.zoom.us/j/97961082174
Meeting ID: 979 6108 2174

Email [email protected] for any questions.

  • University of Pittsburgh DPT Virtual Information Sessions (upcoming dates: 12/10 & 12/15)

Meet faculty and learn more about our DPT program! You will hear faculty discuss the student experience and admissions. Bring your questions for an interactive Q&A.

Virtual Sessions

    • Wednesday, December 10, 2025 5:00pm to 6:00pm
    • Monday, December 15, 2025 3:00pm to 4:00pm
Registration: https://calendar.pitt.edu/event/doctor-of-physical-therapy-virtual-information-session-hybrid-only?utm_campaign=widget&utm_medium=widget&utm_source=University+of+Pittsburgh
 
Residential and Hybrid Sessions
    • Monday, December 15, 2025 3:00pm to 4:00pm
    • December 17, 2025 5:00pm to 6:00pm
 
Questions? Email [email protected]
  • University of Lynchburg DPT Virtual Information Session (12/10)

Information sessions are a special opportunity to allow interested students to meet a DPT faculty member, talk with current DPT graduate assistants, and tour our facilities. These sessions are designed to give prospective students a comprehensive overview of the entry-level DPT program at the University of Lynchburg. We highly recommend attending a session as they are the most beneficial experience for anyone considering our program.

    • Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2025
    • Time: 5:00 PM until 6:00 PM
    • Location: Online

If you would like to attend this Information Session, please register using the “Virtual Information Session” event. Once you’ve registered, you’ll receive an email with the link to the Google Meet 48 hours before the session begins. 

  • Old Dominion University DPT Q&A Sessions (upcoming date: 12/19 & 1/16)

The monthly Q & A Sessions are informal question and answer sessions where you can ask questions to one of our PT faculty and a PT student/graduate assistant.
 
Zoom Q&A Sessions Click here RSVP for one of the 4 online sessions and the Office of Graduate Admissions will send you the Zoom information and event confirmation. We look forward to meeting you!  Zoom Q & A Sessions:  7:00-8:00pm
    • Tuesday March 24, 2026
    • Tuesday April 21, 2026

In person Q&A sessions These will be held in the Physical Therapy lab, Room 2019 on the second floor from 4:00-5:00 pm, in the new Health Sciences 2 Building (1019 West 41st Street). 2 hour parking is available on 41st Street or you may obtain a visitor parking pass from the ODU Parking Office (located in the 43rd and Elkhorn St garage) to park in the 41-43rd Street Convocation Garage.

    • Friday December 19, 2025
    • Friday January 16, 2026
    • Friday February 20, 2026
    • Friday May 22, 2026
  • Thomas Jefferson University DPT Virtual Information Sessions (upcoming dates: 1/13)

Join our Admissions team and faculty to learn more about your program of interest.
 
Campus Tours: Our campuses feature cutting-edge simulation labs, design studios, athletic centers, research libraries and much more. During your visit, you will spend approximately 1 hour with a current student to hear about their experiences and take a walking tour of campus. Our admissions team will be available for questions at the conclusion of your tour.
Choose a date on the calendar here to learn more about opportunities to connect with us. Interested in speaking with an Admissions representative about our visit opportunities to determine which is best for you?
Contact us at 215-951-2800 or [email protected] to learn more.

 

  • James Madison University PA Virtual Information Session (upcoming dates: 12/16)

During a Physician Assistant (PA) Program Info Session, a PA Program faculty member will be on-hand to present some basic Program information and answer any questions that applicants may have about the admissions process, the Program’s curriculum, or other Program details. Sessions can last anywhere from 60-90 minutes depending on how many people attend and how many questions are asked.    

    • Dec 16, 2025 at 1:00PM EST
    • Jan 15, 2026 at 3:00PM EST
    • Feb 9, 2026 at 10:00AM EST

Register for your information session today!

Directions on how to join the virtual session will come in an email before the session.
email: [email protected] with any questions.

  • Shenandoah University MS PA Studies Health Professions Building Tour (upcoming date: 1/27)

Our Health Professions Building Tour offers you a graduate services tour and a meeting with an our staff.

Dates:

    • Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM Register

Location:  Shenandoah University Health Professions Building 1775 N Sector Ct Winchester, VA 22601 United States Additional questions?

Contact us at [email protected], call: 540-665-4581, or text: 540-546-6029.  

More to come soon!

  • University of Virginia M.Ed. in Communication Sciences and Disorders Virtual Visit Event (upcoming dates: 12/12)

The communication sciences and disorders program hosts scheduled virtual visits during the academic year for individuals who cannot travel to Charlottesville in person. After you register for a session, you will receive a follow-up email with a link to the Zoom room for your virtual visit. Upcoming Sessions:

  • UVA Undergraduate Leading with Heart: Exploring Careers in Human Development (upcoming dates: 12/18)

Join Admission staff and EDHS faculty to learn more about careers in Communication and Speech Disorders, Kinesiology, and Athletic Training. Upcoming Information Sessions:

If you have any questions, email [email protected]

  • Middleburg Humane Foundation Volunteer Opportunity

I would like to pass on information about volunteering with the Middleburg Humane Foundation to pre-veterinary students at George Mason University. We are a 501(c)3 private animal welfare facility with a full service veterinary clinic and we are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help our organization carry out our mission. We have numerous potential opportunities for pre-vet students depending on their interest and availability,  but what we’re specifically targeting is help in the veterinary clinic.

The clinic performs all of the spay/neuter surgery for the dogs, cats and rabbits that come through MHF, as well as assisting numerous other non-profits in our area to meet the surgical and medical needs of their animals. We also perform dentistry,  soft tissue procedures and some orthopedic procedures as necessary to improve the health and wellbeing of the animals. We are looking for students to help with clinic operations, which would include assisting with patient preparation,  learning basic anesthesia monitoring,  aiding in recovery, proper cleaning and sterilization of surgical tools, disinfection protocols, standard vaccination protocols and other aspects of high volume veterinary care. This would be a valuable and unique experience that would help these students applying to veterinary school and it is extremely rewarding work. We aim to take more of an educational focus in our work and have hosted DVM candidates from Virginia Tech, interns from the nearby specialty hospitals, LVT students from NVCC and Penn Foster and we would love the chance to work with GMU students considering a career in this field.

If you could please pass on my contact information and direct students to the volunteer section of our website at https://www.middleburghumane.org/volunteer, I would very much appreciate it.

Thank you,

 

  • Veterinary Professions Virtual Fair (1/6)

Explore a world of career and academic opportunities in animal health and veterinary sciences at the Veterinary Professions Virtual Fair! This national event connects students, alumni, and early-career professionals with graduate programs, employers, and organizations across the veterinary field.

Date: Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Time: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Register Now!

  • Virginia Tech Master’s of Public Health Virtual Information Session (12/9)

Learn more about Virginia Tech’s Master of Public Health program in this virtual information session.
Participants will get an overview of the MPH curriculum, admission requirements, faculty and student opportunities, and the hands-on experiences offered through the program. You’ll also have the chance to ask questions and hear directly from program representatives to help determine if the MPH at Virginia Tech aligns with your goals.

You can contact the Virginia Tech MPH program via email at [email protected]

  • Tulane University School of Public Health Virtual Seminar Series upcoming dates: (12/9 & 12/15)

I hope your semester is off to a great start! Please consider joining our virtual seminar series featuring faculty (and one PhD student!) this fall to learn more about ongoing research and hot topics in a wide variety of public health disciplines.

Our seminar website will be updated as new programming is added. You can check our previous seminars on our YouTube Playlist.

Here’s the lineup for this fall:

    • Practicing Humility and Decolonialism in Global Public Health Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 12:00 PM until 1:00 PM central time Dr. Kristefer StojanovskiAssistant Professor, Department of Social Behavioral and Population Sciences and Research Director, Partners for Advancing Health Equity Dr. Stojanovski is a global health population scientist. In this seminar, he will discuss his global research portfolio, which includes projects in Serbia, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya. Dr. Stojanovski will discuss issues of the continued colonization in global health. He will also discuss what it means to practice and work in global health as a white-presenting scholar from the Global North, guide the conversation on the practice of humility, and share his approach to combating colonization in the world of global health and development. Register here
    • Understanding Suicide: What the Science Tells Us and Why That Matters in Public Health Monday, December 15, 2025, at 12:00 PM until 1:00 PM central time Dr. Breanna BanksAssistant Professor of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences Despite rising suicide rates and growing public concern, suicide prevention efforts often remain siloed in clinical care. This seminar explores how public health can play a transformative role in suicide prevention by integrating foundational theories of suicide with a critical understanding of the social and structural determinants that shape risk and recovery. Drawing from both empirical research and implementation practice, this presentation highlights how social inequities—such as housing instability, discrimination, and poverty—interact with psychological drivers of suicide. Register here

For questions, email [email protected] | sph.tulane.edu

  • Shenandoah University Education Counseling: MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (12/11)

Information at this event will focus on the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health CounselingMaster of Science in School Counseling, and the Master of Arts in Music Therapy and Professional Counseling programs.

Date: Thursday, December 11, 2025 

Time: 5:00 PM until 6:00 PM

Register Now!

Questions? Contact us at [email protected]

  • Pre-Med Clinical Gap Year Internship: Rachel Rubin MD Urology and Sexual Medicine Private Practice

    • Application Deadline: January 15, 2026
    • Program Dates: Early summer 2026, 1-2 year full time gap years
      • Paid Opportunity/Stipend Amount: Paid

Are you curious, smart, empathetic, motivated, and a problem-solver? Are you interested in learning about a unique and underrepresented area of medicine? At the Rachel Rubin MD Urology and Sexual Medicine practice in the Washington, DC area, we are looking to inspire the next generation of medical students. We are a nationally-recognized urology and sexual medicine practice that sees patients of all genders for issues related to sexual function (including desire, arousal, orgasm, and erectile function), pelvic pain, urinary tract and vaginal infection prevention, incontinence, and prolapse, menopause care, and more.

As a small growing private practice, you’ll be exposed to not only a very niche area of medicine, but you’ll be in the midst of a budding private practice seeing firsthand the business of medicine.

We’ve established a paid clinical internship specifically targeting graduating seniors looking to pursue 1-2 gap years before entering medical school.
You will:

  • Receive mentorship from leading physicians in urology and sexual medicine
  • See under-researched medical conditions
  • Join a practice where physicians take time with patients 
  • Learn medicine you’ll never learn in med school
  • Provide clinical support to the practice
  • Work to improve patient quality of life and actually see the results
  • Collaborate in a supportive work and learning environment​

Be part of advocacy and community building efforts

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

  • Direct clinical support: providing incredible customer service to every patient; communicating with patients via phone calls and patient portal; assisting patients with coordination of care.
  • Office support:coordinate laboratory specimens and lab orders; previewing lab results; going through patient records and summarizing key findings; processing insurance prior authorizations; refilling prescriptions; speaking with pharmacies; assisting the front desk when necessary.
  • Advocacy and Education: participating in practice wide efforts in advocacy and external education campaigns.
  • Practice support: writing newsletters and blog posts; creating educational content  social media; collecting patient testimonials; updating the website with educational resources.

Qualifications:

  • Interest in Sexual Medicine, Urology and/or Urogynecology
  • Planning to apply to medical school
  • Recent undergraduate or graduating senior in any field 
  • Friendly and can-do attitude with patients and coworkers
  • Self-starter, problem solver, willing to lean-in to new work and ideas
  • Adaptable and flexible and able to work in a dynamic start-up private practice
  • Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
  • Computer/IT proficiency/social media savvy
  • Be immunized against standard communicable diseases before starting the job

​​Check out our first cohort – Sophie, Grace, Sarah, and Adele and second cohort – Grace, Amaris, Audrey, Chiemerie, and Hayley.Application Information:You must currently be in your gap year(s), undergraduate senior year, or finishing a masters program in Winter or Spring 2026 to apply. Candidates should apply via our google form with their cover letter, resume, short written prompt, and a 90 second video showcasing your interest in this program.  Please note that the letter of recommendation can be sent separately by the individual writing the letter to [email protected].

Applications are due January 15, 2026 with a targeted start date early summer 2026. For those already in your gap year there is potential to start Spring 2026. The start time may be negotiable depending upon the situation. All internships are paid salary, full-time (40 hours/week), Monday-Friday. Opportunities will range in 1-2 year full-time paid internships.

​​​Inquires about the program can be sent to [email protected], you must include the subject line: Sexual Medicine Internship – YOUR NAME – College/University

​Rachel Rubin MD PLLC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.​​​APPLY HERE

  • Georgetown University Academy for Research, Clinical and Health Equity Scholarship (ARCHES) + Virtual Info Session

    • Application Deadline: January 20, 2026
    • Program Dates: June 10, 2026 – July 24, 2026
      • Paid Opportunity/Stipend Amount: $4,000
      • Housing Provided

As a reminder, a series of information sessions will be hosted for those who are interested in learning more about the application process and the program experience. The dates and registration links for these events are outlined below. Additional details about this summer opportunity can be found on the ARCHES program website

VIRTUAL INFORMATION SESSIONS  
December 10, 2025, 7:00 p.m

Thank you for your interest in the Academy for Research, Clinical and Health Equity Scholarship (ARCHES) Program. The 2026 ARCHES Program Application is open November 5, 2025, through January 20, 2026. You can find more information about the ARCHES program in our Program Overview section.

Program Eligibility, Dates and Benefits

Eligibility

Sophomores and Juniors who are currently enrolled in U.S. accredited colleges/universities and are authorized to work in the U.S. are eligible for the program. We consider all applicants regardless of race, sex, age, disability, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, socioeconomic background, or other protected characteristics.

Students who identify with the following categories are also eligible for the program:

    • DACA/TPS recipients
    • International students who have been issued an F-1 or J-1 visa

To be eligible for the program, applicants are required to have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Program dates

June 10, 2026 – July 24, 2026

Benefits

Stipend: $4,000

Travel: Up to $250 per student on a case-by-case basis to be determined by the Georgetown Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

Meals: Students are responsible for their own meal expenses (except meals provided by the program during special events).

The 2026 ARCHES Program Application is open November 5, 2025, through January 20, 2026.

  • Smithsonian Mason: Summer Research Experience in Conservation Biology

    • Application Deadline: January 30, 2026
    • Program Dates: June 1 to August 7, 2026
      • Paid Opportunity/Stipend Amount: $7,000
      • Housing provided
 
Hands-on, immersive research opportunity for 10 weeks during the summer!
Join us for a hands-on, residential research experience in biodiversity conservation located at our campus in Front Royal, Virginia! We are seeking to fill 10 paid placements for “Saving Endangered Species and Habitats: Next-generation Education, Research, and Training for Conservation Biologists.”
This 10-week REU, held from June 1 to August 7, 2026, will give undergraduate students an opportunity to conduct hands-on, full-time conservation research and gain career-ready skills to improve knowledge of and best management practices for threatened species with the goal of helping to alleviate the global extinction crisis.

Why Apply?

    • Gain career-ready skills and grow professional networks.
    • Learn how to conduct research and communicate findings.
    • Work with renowned scientists and conservation professionals.
    • Create impact by contributing to the conservation of global biodiversity.
As part of the application process, students will need to identify available projects they are interested in working on.
Application Requirements & Deadline:
To apply, students will need to submit
    • a current resume;
    • an unofficial transcript for all college/university-level coursework;
    • one letter of recommendation from a professor or someone from a professional capacity that can judge your ability to succeed in a research program; and
    • an essay/narrative that describes your academic and professional interests related to the discipline of conservation and what motivated you to pursue them, as well as your future goals and ambitions and how this REU experience would help you achieve those goals.

Application link found here!

The deadline to apply is January 30, 2026.
 
If you have specific questions, please contact the REU Faculty Program Director, Dr. Anneke DeLuycker at [email protected].

 

  • Inova Trauma Acute Care Surgery Externship

    • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
    • Program Dates: Monday, June 1 – Friday, June 12, 2026
      • Unpaid

Inova Trauma Center – Fairfax is proud to offer an inside look at trauma care through our Trauma Acute Care Surgery Externship. 

This program is designed for premedical students who are considering a career in surgery. It requires a full-time, two-week commitment, providing students with valuable insight and hands-on experience within the continuum of trauma care. 

Now available: Application for the 2026 program

Application Directions

Our externship program highlights the coordinated and systematic approach of a Level I Trauma Center in delivering optimal trauma care to the community. This is an uncompensated opportunity for pre-med college students to engage in an observational educational experience. The goal is to provide selected externs with an in-depth view of the personal and professional rewards of a career in trauma care. 

Externs will have the opportunity to shadow the multidisciplinary trauma team, including trauma surgeons, trauma nurses, social workers, physical therapists, and other allied healthcare providers. Throughout the program, externs will interact directly with trauma acute care surgeons and will participate in daily rounds, patient assessments, emergency resuscitations, and surgical procedures. 

Trauma care is a critical part of a community’s emergency response system. High-quality trauma care depends on dedicated professionals from various healthcare fields, along with state-of-the-art technology and equipment. The Inova Trauma Center, the only Level 1 Trauma Center in Northern Virginia, is committed to providing world-class care. It is designated by the Commonwealth of Virginia and verified by the American College of Surgeons.

For more information, contact Mamoona Arif Rahu, Trauma Clinical Educator, at [email protected] or 703-776-7797

Submit completed applications via email to [email protected]

  • UVA Summer Research Internship Program (SRIP) + Virtual Info Session (1/6)

    • Application Deadline: February 1st, 11:59 PM
    • Program Dates: May 24th, – July 31st. 
      • Paid Opportunity/Stipend Amount: $6,000 
      • Housing provided

Please join one of our upcoming virtual information sessions to learn more about SRIP and the application and admission process by registering through one of the links below. SRIP is an immersive, ten-week, hands-on research experience investigating current problems in biomedical research under the guidance of a faculty member.

SRIP Offers:

    • An immersive, ten-week, hands-on research experience investigating current problems in biomedical research under the guidance of a faculty member.
    • A professional development series highlighting the opportunities that exist for careers in biomedical sciences.
    • Presentations by our faculty and panel discussions from our graduate students about the graduate school application process.
    • A research lecture series presented by internationally recognized scientists & physician scientists.
    • “Communicating Science” workshops teaching strategies for communicating complex scientific topics in clear and engaging ways.
    • Several opportunities to present your research.
    • Regular office hours and mentoring with the SRIP Program Director.
    • Housing on UVA Grounds, within easy walking distance to the research facilities and the Health System.
    • Roundtrip travel to Charlottesville. Fly to and from Charlottesville or be reimbursed for driving mileage.
    • Access to the UVA athletic facilities for a nominal fee.
    • Generous financial support through a stipend or wage.
    • Social activities and a closing reception.
    • Catered events.

To be eligible for consideration for SRIP, an applicant must:

    • Be an undergraduate college student
    • Be a U.S. citizen or hold a permanent resident visa
    • Submit an on-line application and supporting materials by the application deadline

Application link found here!

Deadline: February 1st, 2026 (11:59 PM EST)

  • GW Summer Program Advancing Research on Cancer (GW-SPARC)

    • Application Deadline: Monday, February 1, 2026
    • Program Dates: May 24, 2026 – August 1, 2026
      • Paid Opportunity/Stipend Amount: $5,000
      • Housing Provided

View the 2025 SPARC Abstract Book here.

The George Washington Summer Program Advancing Research on Cancer (GW-SPARC) engages undergraduates who will form the next generation of scientific leaders in a mentored summer research experience at the George Washington University (GW) Cancer Center. This program is intended for undergraduates considering Ph.D. training and a career in research

This summer program fosters active engagement in cutting-edge research, exposure to contemporary cancer research techniques, the impact of cancer in different communities, and preparation for research careers. There will be no opportunities for clinical shadowing. Students will live and work in the heart of D.C., just blocks from national monuments, museums, and entertainment. At the end of the summer, all students participate in a poster session with other undergraduate researchers.

Stipend

The program will provide $5,000 for 10 weeks participation, paid in two installments upon arrival. Additional funds up to $500 will be provided for travel to/from GW. Students are encouraged to stay in GW housing which will be provided by the program at no cost to the student.

Eligible applicants meet the following criteria:

    • U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
    • Rising juniors and seniors. Seniors graduating in 2026 are not eligible for this program..
    • GPA  ≥3.3
    • Complete applications, including two Faculty Letters of Recommendation, by deadline (February 1, 2026)

Applications from ineligible students will not be considered for the program.

SPARC is partly supported by a grant from the American Cancer Society Center for Innovation in Cancer Research Training (DICR INTR-24-1297242-01-DICR INTR)

The application period for SPARC 2026 is open until February 1, 2026.

 

  • VCU Summer Academic Enrichment Program (SAEP)

    • Early decision deadline: Feb 1, 2026
    • Regular decision deadline: Mar 15, 2026
    • Program Dates: May 19 – June 26, 2026
      • Paid Opportunity/Stipend Provided
      • Housing provided

Requirements: Online application, personal statement, two letters of recommendation and official transcript. Any current college juniors, seniors, graduates and post-baccalaureate students who are preparing to apply to a dentistry, medicine, pharmacy or physical therapy health professional school or program. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.75, and have completed three years of college coursework, including organic chemistry I and II, (note; organic chemistry not required for physical therapy track). All applicants must have U.S. citizenship or Permanent Resident status.

Program description SAEP is a six-week summer program that simulates the first-year of dentistry, medicine, pharmacy or physical therapy professional school instruction. Participants take academically intensive instruction in each of their chosen tracks in addition to non-credit core-coursework in anatomy, biochemistry, and physiology. SAEP participants attend learning skills and test-taking workshops, mock interviews, professionalism seminars, current health care topics, coaching and community service activities in an interprofessional framework. At the conclusion of the program, participants receive an assessment of their readiness to attend professional school. A modest stipend is provided to participants. Upon acceptance to SAEP, participants must agree to the following:

    • Attend all academic, professional, and social events or activities
    • Reside in on-campus housing during the program
    • Not be employed while participating with SAEP, neither on a full-time nor part-time basis
    • Not enrolled in a summer course whether online or in person during May or June
    • Not in preparation for taking the DAT, MCAT, or GRE following the program in July

Any absences, conflicts of commitment, or time away from the program may result in penalties and/or dismissal from the program.

Dates

    • May 19 – June 26, 2026

Location

    • VCU Health Campus

Contact information VCU P.A.T.H.S. Team at (804) 827-0982 or [email protected]. Website https://dsei.vcu.edu/paths/programs/college/summer-academic-enrichment-program-saep/

  • VCU Allied Health Career Exploration (AHCE)

    • Early decision deadline: Feb 1, 2026
    • Regular decision deadline: Apr 1, 2026

Requirements: Online application, personal statement, 1 required letter of recommendation (1 optional additional letter maybe added) and official transcript. Preference is given to students from under-represented backgrounds (educational, social, or economic). Allied Health Career Exploration Flyer

Eligibility requirements Any rising and current college freshmen, sophomores and juniors, and rising seniors who are interested in patient counseling, medical laboratory sciences, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nurse anesthesia, rehabilitation counseling, radiation sciences, health administration and gerontology as health careers.

Program description AHCE is a two-week residential summer program for students interested in any of the nine health career programs offered by the VCU College of Health Professions. Participants meet weekdays for full-day department/degree program admissions information, hands-on and interactive activities within each discipline, workshops on current healthcare topics, interviewing skills, resume development and more. AHCE participants receive the necessary information to pursue a College of Health Professions application process. Lunch and any resource materials required to participate in the program will be provided at no cost to participants. Commitment to full attendance, including an orientation session and closing event, is required to participate. Dates

    • June 8 – 19, 2026

Location

    • VCU Health Campus.

Contact information VCU P.A.T.H.S. Team at (804) 827-0982 or [email protected].

  • Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) + Virtual Info Session (12/16)

    • Application Deadline: February 5th, 2026
    • Program Dates: generally June through July, varies by host institution
      • Paid Opportunity/Stipend Amount: typically $1,000
      • Housing Provided

The Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) is a free summer program for students to explore their interests in medicine, dentistry, nursing, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, public health, and more. The program takes place at our 11 partner institutions and offers students a chance to develop competencies for becoming successful applicants to health profession programs, plan academic journeys, get clinical exposure, and network. If you are interested or have any questions, please reach out to our ambassador, Kalkidan Negussie ([email protected]), who completed SHPEP in a previous summer at Howard University. Flyer: SHPEP Ambassador Flyer

Note: Due to a loss of funding, Summer 2026 will be the final cohort for SHPEP.

We’re excited to invite you to our upcoming 75-minute webinar, Steps to Success with the SHPEP & MSIPI Application, on December 16, 2025 at 6:00 PM ET. This interactive session is designed to set you up for success as you prepare your Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) application and will also highlight the opportunities available through the Minority Serving Institution Pathway Initiative (MSIPI).

Who is eligible to apply?

All students who meet the Summer Health Professions Education Program eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply. Applicants must meet the following requirements:

    • Must be a high school graduate and currently enrolled as a freshman, sophomore, or junior in college.
      • Applicants should have earned no more than 90 credits when submitting their application.Please note that only two SHPEP Program Sites are accepting college juniors this year. For sites accepting college freshmen and sophomores, applicants must have completed no more than 60 credits by the time they submit their application.
        • Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate credits are not counted.
        • Dual enrollment credits are counted.
    • Have a minimum overall college GPA of 2.5.
    • Be a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or an individual granted deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) status by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
    • Must not have previously participated in the program.

Other factors for consideration include that a student:

    • Comes from an economically or educationally disadvantaged background; and/or
    • Has demonstrated an interest in issues affecting underserved populations.
    • Submits a compelling personal statement and a strong letter of recommendation.

For more information, visit: https://www.shpep.org/

    • Deadline: February 5th, 2026 (11:59 PM EST)
    • Admission Decision Date: March 15
    • Wait list Admission Decisions: March 18
  • Anderson Orthopaedic Clinic Summer Programs

    • Application Deadline: March 1, 2026
    • Programs Dates: June 1-July 24, 2026 
      • Paid Opportunity/Stipend Amount: limited number of $2500 may be available through INOVA hospital

Summer Externship Program

Our eight-week Summer Externship Program provides an immersive experience in academic orthopaedic surgery for exceptional college and rising high school students. This program goes beyond simple shadowing to offer a comprehensive educational experience, including hands-on research, one-on-one mentorship, and direct exposure to clinical medicine.

Program Components:

Clinical Shadowing:

      • Experience a variety of clinical settings including outpatient clinics, operating rooms, and hospitals.
      • Engage actively with your mentor’s orthopaedic care team and gain valuable insights into patient care.

Research:

      • Collaborate with your mentor on a research project aimed at publication or national presentation.
      • Develop a research question related to orthopaedics that aligns with your interests and contributes to the field.

Benefits:

    • Educational Experience: Gain a deeper understanding of orthopaedics and enhance your academic profile with research experience.
    • Career Exploration: Explore the specialty of orthopaedics and gain a head start in your career.
    • Networking Opportunities: Build lasting relationships with our faculty, potentially leading to future internships or research opportunities.

Eligibility:

    • College students and rising high school juniors/seniors with a keen interest in orthopaedics.
    • Those with a specific research question or idea are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to applications with clear, relevant, and feasible research projects.

Grants:

    • A limited number of $2,500 research grants may be available through INOVA hospital. These are to support new research projects and are awarded after acceptance into the program.
    • If not awarded a grant, you may still participate as an unpaid extern and work on ongoing projects.

Application Details:

    • Applications Open: November 1, 2025
    • Application Closes: March 1, 2026
    • Decision: April 1, 2026
    • Program Start Date: June 1, 2026
    • Program End Date: July 24, 2026

How to Apply:

Clinical Shadowing Program

The Anderson Orthopaedic Clinic’s shadowing program offers high school and college students a unique opportunity to see how classroom concepts are applied in real-world medicine. This hands-on experience includes one-on-one mentorship with our physicians across various practice settings, from outpatient offices to hospitals and operating rooms. By the end of the program, students will gain valuable insights into the practice of medicine and the delivery of exceptional orthopaedic care.

Why Participate?

    • Real-World Experience: Engage directly with physicians and observe patient care in action.
    • Enhance Your Application: This experience sets you apart in the competitive landscape of college and medical school applications.
    • Explore Specialties: Discover the field of orthopaedics and establish your career path early.
    • Networking Opportunities: Many mentees develop lasting relationships with our physicians, leading to internships and research collaborations, including publications.

Program Details

    • Eligibility: Open to college students and rising high school juniors/seniors interested in orthopaedics. Exceptional high school sophomores may also apply.
    • Duration: The shadowing experience lasts between 1-4 weeks.
    • Settings: Participants will shadow physicians in various environments, including outpatient offices, hospitals, and operating rooms.

Application Process

Application Details:

    • Applications Open: November 1, 2025
    • Application Closes: March 1, 2026
    • Decision: April 1, 2026
    • Program Start Date: Students can start shadowing June 1, 2026.
    • Program End Date: 2-4 week experience based on student availability. 

How to Apply:

  • AAMC Pre-Health Summer Opportunities Databases

Research: Check out our listing of summer programs for undergraduates interested in pursuing careers in medical research: https://students-residents.aamc.org/phd-biomedical-science/summer-undergraduate-research-programs. Please contact programs directly regarding summer research opportunities.

Enrichment: This database (https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-medical-school/medical-pathways-enrichment-opportunities) is provided to help students (Pre-K to pre-matriculation) who are interested in locating opportunities and programs in medicine or other health professions that will strengthen their pathway to the career of their choice.

  • Optometry Summer Programs

If you’re looking to build experience and explore optometry in a practical setting, check out these summer programs that offer hands‑on exposure, mentorship, and professional networking opportunities: They’re a great way to see what optometry is like in a real professional context: you’ll get to observe clinics, assist with research or patient care, and interact with practicing optometrists and students.

  • Pre-Health Test Prep Borrowing Program

Interested in borrowing MCAT or DAT prep books completely free? George Mason University Health Professions Advising is excited to offer free MCAT or DAT prep books from our library to current students that apply to our borrowing program!

      Our Test Prep Borrowing Program operates on an rolling-based system. This means that applications can be submitted at any time and are processed continuously. There are a limited number of books available; thus, all applicants may not be awarded books.

        These books are primarily useful for content review; therefore, we strongly suggest incorporating additional resources (see Test Prep Resources) in your study plan to gain more question exposure and strengthen testing stamina.

        Eligibility:

        1. Must be a current George Mason University student or graduate at the time of application.
        2. Must have a scheduled MCAT or DAT within 6 months (confirmation is required).
        3. Demonstrate financial need

        There are a limited number of books available; thus, all applicants may not be awarded books. Other factors such as GPA, number of prerequisite courses completed at the time of application, etc may also be considered. For more information, please visit our website: go.gmu.edu/prehealthprep. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

        If you would like to donate your gently used books to our program, please drop them off at the Undergraduate Education office (Johnson Center, Room 228) during business hours (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm) or email [email protected].

         

        *Posting the test prep resources below is for information purposes only and does not imply endorsements by GMU Health Professions Advising.

        • MCAT Bootcamp Resources*

        MCAT Bootcamp is designed to maximize your CARS score. Our team of 99th percentile experts has meticulously crafted practice materials that closely replicate the logic used by the AAMC. We provide clear, concise video explanations that break down exactly how the MCAT expects you to approach and answer each question. Our mission is to help you think like an expert CARS test-taker, so you can apply these strategies and significantly increase your CARS score. Check it out! https://app.bootcamp.com/auth?#/signin?redirectTo=/mcat.
         

        Try it out for free using this 2-Month Promo Code: GMU25

        • Kaplan Resources*

        The best way to jumpstart your MCAT prep? Finding your strengths and weaknesses right off the bat. With our free starter pack, you’ll be able to determine the areas where you need the most practice in order to achieve your goal score.

        Click Here To Start For Free!

        What’s Included:

        • One realistic, full-length MCAT practice test
        • A personalized study calendar preview
        • A Qbank with 230 questions
        • Learning modules with video lessons and quizzes
        • New: Instantly receive personalized study tips, content explanation breakdowns, and resource recommendations—whenever you need them—with Kaplan’s AI tutor

        • Erudition’s PAT (Perceptual Ability Test) Prep for the DAT*

          • I wanted to reach out and share some super helpful free PAT resources with pre-dental students in Pre-Health Advising. We’d love for students at George Mason University to be aware of these amazing study materials when preparing for their DAT, as we’re sure they will make learning the perceptual ability problems a lot easier! These free materials, like all of Erudition’s materials, provide lots of clear graphics and visual aids, which have helped our students get the hang of PAT problems more quickly and effectively. YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@eruditionpat Our information pages go over the rules of PAT problems, example problems, and tips and strategies for each type of PAT problem: PAT overview 
          • Intro to Keyhole problems
          • Intro to Top-front-end problems
          • Intro to Angle ranking problems
          • Intro to Hole punching problems
          • Intro to Cube counting problems
          • Intro to Pattern folding problems Students can sign up for a free account at eruditionprep.com/pat and start studying using our free access question banks (select question banks from our course) and free ADA explanations (detailed explanations for ADA sample items).
        • Altius Resources*

        Check out these free resources on our website: https://altiustestprep.com/resources/

          • Free MCAT Course
            • A free 60-day MCAT course with all the perks and benefits of the MCAT Mentor program. LEARN MORE
          • Free MCAT Practice Exam
            • A free, half-length, and near perfect match to the MCAT. LEARN MORE
          • Quick Reference Study Chart
            • Download a free copy of the Quick Reference Study Chart.
        • DAT Destroyer*

        Dr. Jim Romano’s DAT Destroyer has been a trusted study guide that has been helping students prepare for the DAT for over 35 years. DAT Destroyer Study Guide: https://orgoman.com/products/dat-destroyer DAT Blog: https://orgoman.com/blogs/dental-admissions-test-and-road-to-dental-school-acceptance In addition to the books, Dr. Romano leads an active DAT Study Group where new questions and material are added daily, and he also provides his Biology Review PDF free to members. We also maintain a free YouTube library with hundreds of videos covering Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Math for the DAT exam.

        • MedSchoolCoach*

        Hi Current applicant, Life as a pre-med is full of challenges: from grueling MCAT prep to crafting a compelling application. At MedSchoolCoach, we’re here to support you every step of the way with powerful and free resources designed to simplify the journey to med school. Struggling to memorize facts, formulas, and pathways for the MCAT? Our 50 MCAT Mnemonics Guide will help you effortlessly recall information and make your studying more effective. Working on Secondary Essays? Get instant access to 84 real-life secondary essays that got students accepted in this handy guide. No matter where you are on your path to medicine, we’re here to help you succeed. Best of luck, Sahil Mehta, MD Founder & CEO, MedSchoolCoach

        • Blueprint Resources*

        ·  Free Books and Guides ·  Free Sample MCAT Account ·  MCAT Flashcards ·  Content Checklist

        • The Princeton Review Resources*

        Student success is at the heart of everything we do. Get your prep on! For MCAT and Admission Resources, please visit https://linktr.ee/tprevents. *Posting these test prep resources is for information purposes only and does not imply endorsements by GMU Health Professions.