Funded by SAMHSA
This program is intended to identify racial/ethnic minority medical students who have an interest in psychiatry. Selected medical students are matched with a mentor based on interest of the medical student and the specialty mentor, practice setting (i.e. research or clinical), geographic proximity of the mentor and mentee. Applicants are encouraged to approach possible mentors, particularly those with compatible interests of work.
The goal of the mentorship program is to expose awardees to a setting where they can work closely with a psychiatrist mentor. The emphasis is working with undeserved minority populations and mental health care disparities. Most work settings will be inner-city or rural. In the past, awardees have been exposed to psychiatric subspecialties, particularly substance use disorders, geriatrics and child and adolescent psychiatry.
The APAF Medical Student Summer Mentoring Program is supported by funds from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), under the Minority Fellowship Program.
The 2021 application cycle has ended. The 2022 application cycle will commence on November 1, 2021.
Award
- Up to $2,000 for living expenses
- Up to $400 for travel expenses to and from mentoring site location (if out of state)
- $100 book allowance
Benefits
- Provide a role model and mentor in the field of psychiatry
- Opportunity to observe psychiatrists at work
- Gain a better understanding at how psychiatrists prevent, research, and treat mental illnesses
- Opportunity to expand circle of professional contacts for future networking
Number of Awards
Five awardees per year, pending funding
Duration
One summer month (June, July, August, or September)
Eligibility
- Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Currently enrolled in an accredited U.S. medical school. You must maintain your active enrollment status for the duration of the program.
- Ability to commit to the duration of the program
Application Requirements
- Complete online application form
- Curriculum Vitae
- Statement of Interest (not to exceed one-page) explaining how the medical student program will impact the applicant's career
- Letter from medical school's Dean's office indicating the applicant is a medical student in good academic standing
You can apply to as many medical student programs based on your eligibility. However, participation in more than one medical student program simultaneously is not permitted.
Application Deadline
The 2021 application cycle has ended. The 2022 application cycle will commence on November 1, 2021.
Award Notification
April
Program Requirements
- Submit a program report with guidance from your mentor outlining mentoring experiences
- Adhere to mentor's site/institution guidelines
- Submit online mentor/mentee summer mentoring evaluation
Disclaimer
- Medical students are responsible for arranging housing (if applicable)
- Actual lodging and meals of the medical student for an entire month, plus travel cannot exceed $2,400
Program Contact
American Psychiatric Association Foundation
c/o Fellowships Team
Phone: 202-459-9782
Email: fellowships@psych.org