Programs for Medical Students
Programs
We offer the following programs for medical students:
Summer Research Program
Program Advancing Research for Equity (PARE) (provides a paid for 7-week research opportunity in either biomedical or clinical research. This program is for rising second-year medical students.
On the UIC campus, there are faculty in several colleges that conduct research on health inequities that impact communities. Participants are assigned either a research laboratory or clinic to work in during the 7-week period.
In addition to their research, students have the opportunity to take part in weekly seminars presented by distinguished faculty and obtain critical feedback of their research by established investigators. After the program is completed, some participants receive additional support to present their research at local and national conferences. Program will runs from mid June – August. Application is now open.
PARE Requirements
- Complete all sections of the application
- Must be in Good Academic standing
- Complete two essays located at the end of the application, submitted as a separate document.
- Provide a resume or CV
- We will formally interview finalists only
- Must commit to all 8 weeks of the program
- Application deadline March 6, 2026
PARE Eligibility & Responsibilities
- Be a resident of the state of Illinois
- Be in good academic standing (minimum 3.0 GPA on 4.0 pt. scale)
- Must make a commitment to all ten weeks of the program
- Must attend program orientation, weekly research seminars, and complete exit interview
- Develop and present a scientific presentation and paper
- Work (research) Monday-Friday 30hrs/week
- Not be engaged in other paid programs, work commitments or anything that may interfere with program requirements
Ongoing Research Topics
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Pathology
- Transplant Surgery
- Global Health
- Ophthalmology
Medicina Fellows Program
The Hispanic Center of Excellence’s (HCOE) Medicina Fellows Program prepares students interested in working with an urban setting by providing them with seminars which focus the numerous cultural, social, and economic factors which influence or obstruct optimal health. The program also engages students to learn about which specialties can impact the Latino community. The Fellows will meet throughout the academic year.
Goals
- Learn about the various health risk factors affecting the Illinois communities.
- Explore specialties that can improve community health
- Interact with other medical students, residents, and faculty interested in health inequities
- Provide USMLE support for medical students
Objectives
- Develop medical leaders interested in community health and research
- Help with the transition into residency
Requirements
- Medical student at UIC-COM
- Academic good standing
- Strong Interest in community health
- Previous experience working with the under-served