Summer Mentoring Program

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 2018 Summer Mentoring Program application cycle is now closed.

Applications for the 2019 Program will open Fall 2019.

Award

• Up to $1,500 for living expenses
• Funding to and from mentoring site location (if out of state)

Number of Awards

Eight awardees per year, pending funding

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 health issues
• Opportunity to expand circle of professional contacts for future networking
• Establish relationships and peer-mentorship with a diverse group of medical students with similar career interests and goals

Duration

One summer month (June, July, August, or September)

Eligibility

• APA Student Member at the time of application
• US Citizen or permanent resident
• Currently enrolled in an accredited U.S. medical school
• Ability to commit to the duration of the program

Application Requirements

• Completed online application form
• Curriculum Vitae
• Statement of Interest (not to exceed one-page)
• Letter from medical school’s Dean’s office indicating the applicant is a medical student in good academic standing

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the Summer Mentoring Program was January 31, 2018.

Award Notification

Early April

Program Requirements

• Submit a program report with guidance from your mentor outlining externship experiences
• Submit online mentor/mentee summer externship evaluation
• Attend minority medical student summer programs conference call in August
• Adhere to mentor’s site/institution guidelines

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 $1,500

Program Manager

Tatiana P. Claridad
(703) 907-7894
Mfpstudents@psych.org