MSTP Undergraduate Summer Program

What is MSTP Summer Scholars?

MSTP (Medical Scientist Training Program) Summer Scholars is a 10-week summer research program. In addition to gaining valuable research experience, Summer Scholars program participants enjoy a variety of formal and informal mentoring, professional development and social activities. All Summer Scholars program participants will be matched to a research advisor, assigned an MSTP student peer mentor, attend weekly professional development seminars, participate in MD-PhD application workshops, and join social activities. At the end of the MSTP Summer Scholars program, participants will present their research project at the Summer Research Opportunity Program final symposium.

Program Details

Participation in Summer Scholars includes:

Meaningful scientific research endeavors: You will carry out research in a University of Wisconsin–Madison research laboratory. UW–Madison ranks eighth nationally in the volume of research, with $1.3 billion spent annually. You will also be paired with an MSTP trainee currently engaged in research who will serve as your peer mentor throughout the summer.

Preparation and practice for MD-PhD admissions: To help you prepare for the next steps in your training, we provide sessions on MCAT prep and interviewing for programs, including specific information about the process of applying to MD-PhD programs.

Professional and Career Development: We take the opportunity to get to know you, to have conversations about your career objectives, and can make specific recommendations to help you achieve your goals.

• Scientific communication: There are opportunities to present your research proposal and projects throughout the summer, including at the UW Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) poster session and research symposium
• Career development: Scholars will meet individually with MSTP directors, as well as with their research principal investigator (PI) and MSTP peer mentors
• Management and leadership: Session topics may include conflict resolution, effective meetings, being a self-advocate, and more

Direct exposure to clinical medicine: You will periodically shadow a physician in their clinical practice or participate in grand rounds and case conferences. This will provide you the opportunity to observe medicine in practice and to see first-hand how medicine and science intersect.

Enjoyment of social interactions: You will interact directly with current MD-PhD trainees by participating in gatherings and activities that show you the vibrant life of MD-PhD training in Madison.

Research

Matching Applicants to Research Areas

We will match applicants selected to participate in the MSTP Summer Scholars program with a research advisor and physician-scientist preceptor with consideration for the participants’ research and clinical interests. We cannot guarantee placement in a selected research area but aim to provide an amazing research experience.

How to Apply

Review the Eligibility Requirements

• Intent to pursue a physician-scientist career (MD-PhD training)
• One year of undergraduate-level education by summer 2024 and a graduation date of December 2025 or later
• U.S. citizenship, permanent resident status or DACA recipient
• Research experience or exposure preferred but not required
• Cumulative undergrad GPA of at least 3.0
• Age 18 and over (as of start of program)

Obtain a Letter of Recommendation

Submit the name and email address for at least one person (faculty member preferred) who will provide a letter of recommendation. Two letters of recommendation are allowed — if you have prior research experience, it will be helpful to have a letter from your research mentor.

Submit your Transcript

Submit the electronic version of your college transcript (scanned hard copies if electronic transcripts are not available); unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

Write Your Essays

Five short personal essays (500 words per essay) are required to apply.

1. Physician-scientist training: Please share more about your lived experiences and how you feel they will contribute to your future as a physician-scientist and your motivations for pursuing research and medicine.
2. Background and life experiences: How have your background and life experiences, including cultural, geographical, financial, educational, or other opportunities or challenges motivated your decision to pursue a research opportunity at the University of Wisconsin-Madison?
3. Future goals and career plans: Describe how your participation in a summer research program at UW–Madison will contribute to your future goals and career plans, and why you are interested in the specific SROP program(s) you ranked.
4. Research area(s): Write a statement describing which areas of research are of interest to you. You may discuss specific departments and labs you are most interested in, but assignments to specific research labs may not be possible.
5. Research experience: Although previous research experience is not required to be considered for participation in our summer program, please describe any past research experience (this may include research as part of a course, if you do not have other research experiences)

Consider an Optional Essay

You may submit an optional essay where you can share more about your lived experiences and how you feel they will contribute to your future as a physician-scientist. You may also emphasize why you would like to study at UW–Madison or your motivations for pursuing research and medicine. (Limit 500 words)

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