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Alabama School of Fine Arts and UAB PRISM student Oluwatosin Badewa presents her research, "A Novel Application of Artificial Intelligence to Assess Diversity in Surgical Performance," at the PRISM and SURE presentation reception in Wallace Tumor Institute on July 24. (Photo by Rebecca Turner)Alabama School of Fine Arts and UAB PRISM student Oluwatosin Badewa presents her research, "A Novel Application of Artificial Intelligence to Assess Diversity in Surgical Performance," at the PRISM and SURE presentation reception in Wallace Tumor Institute on July 24, 2019. (Photo by Rebecca Turner)

The UAB Department of Surgery Pre-College Research Internship for Scholarship and Mentoring (PRISM) provides promising high school students who are interested in careers in healthcare and medicine with hands-on research experiences under the mentorship of surgeons and their peers. The internship provides students with the experience and knowledge that 1) allows them to explore medical careers, particularly in the field of surgery, 2) helps them understand the impact that research has in improving patient care and patient outcomes and 3) provides students with an experience that makes them more competitive for admission to college.

Five students are selected for the program annually. Over the eight-week experience, students will complete a mentored research project. Research projects often involve a team approach involving students at other levels, including undergraduate students and medical students. The experience also includes learning experiences, such as seminars and workshops, and supplemental activities, including clinical shadowing, to expose students to clinical practice and surgical careers.

Program Overview

The program aims to provide high school students with an understanding and appreciation of the research process and how discoveries lead to improved patient care and patient outcomes. UAB surgeons, faculty and senior research staff mentor program participants. While research is the focus for the majority of the internship, students will also participate in clinical experiences. Students are required to present their research before the end of the program.

Important Dates

Application Open Date and Deadline: Applications are open now through Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, at 5 p.m. CST.
Tentative Program Start Date: Summer 2025 (June 9, 2025 through August 1, 2025)

Compensation

Students will receive a stipend in the amount of $1,000 for the successful completion of program requirements. This is a full-time commitment, and students are expected to be present from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday, for the full eight-week program. Students are required to provide their own meals, transportation, housing and parking.

Eligibility Requirements

  1. High school junior status
  2. U.S. Citizen or permanent resident
  3. Individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds as defined in the Notice of NIH’s Interest in Diversity
  4. OR must be the in the first generation of their family intending to pursue college

How to Apply

Contact

Please contact SurgSummerPrograms@uabmc.edu with questions.

Andrea Gillis, M.D.
Program Co-Director
agillis@uabmc.edu

Annabelle Fonseca, M.D., MHS
Program Co-Director
afonseca@uabmc.edu