Medicina Scholars
The Medicina Scholars program is designed to introduce undergraduate Latino scholars to the medical profession. The three-year curriculum gives Latino undergraduate a strong basis to succeed and become competitive applicants for admissions to medical school.
Program Advancing Research for Equity (PARE)
Program Advancing Research for Equity (PARE) provides research opportunities to third and fourth year pre-medical undergraduate Hispanic/Latino or other underrepresented minority students interested in minority health and health disparities.
Latino Health Science Enrichment Program
Latino Health Science Enrichment Program (LaHSEP) is a 6-week summer academic enrichment program open to incoming UIC freshman from the Chicagoland and neighboring suburbs. The overall goal of this program is to offer Latino students a holistic approach to their educational development through a process that develops and prepares participants to transition into UIC.
The Medicina Scholars program is designed to introduce undergraduate Latino scholars to the medical profession. The three-year curriculum gives Latino undergraduate a strong basis to succeed and become competitive applicants for admissions to medical school.
Thirty students are admitted to the program each fall. Each group participates in a series of professional and medical development seminars designed to expand a student’s familiarity with the health field.
The curriculum provides a strong foundation in the history of medicine, professional issues, public health policy, health disparities, cultural competence, primary and specialized care, and medical school admissions. Additionally, Medicina Scholars take part in academic advising, community projects and leadership development.
As part of the Medicina Scholars program, doctors, nurses and other health professionals who were once a Medicina Scholar are invited to present on their journey to medical school and provide key advice to our current scholars.
Students who participate in this program have a track record of successful careers in the medical field. They stay focused on their course of study as undergrads and attend some of the top medical colleges in the United States.
Eligibility Requirements:
Student must be freshman or sophomore standing at an accredited college/university. Applicants will demonstrate a genuine interest and drive in becoming a physician or have an interest in other health professions.
Conversational Spanish
Minimum 3.0 GPA (A=4.0) from an accredited college or High School
Minimum 21 ACT Composite or 1060-1090 SAT Composite (incoming freshman only)
Submit all supporting documentation by July 24, 2023 by 11:59 p.m.
Supporting documents consist of the following:
- One (1) letter of recommendation: email to [email protected]
- Official transcripts: email to [email protected]
- Personal statement: upload to your online application
Key Dates and Deadlines
March 1, 2023: Application opens online
July 24, 2023: Deadline to submit your online application and supporting documents by 11:59 p.m.
August 1 – August 11, 2023: Invited to interview for a seat in Medicina Scholars
August 14, 2023: Notifications of acceptance emailed
September 9, 2023: Orientation for Medicina Scholars Cohort 2023
October 14, 2023- May 11, 2024: Monthly Medicina Scholars Seminars
The Medicina Scholars Program is open to undergraduate students pursuing a medical degree and study in the Chicago area.
If you have any questions about Medicina Scholars, contact Paulina Guzman at 312-996-4493 or by e-mail at [email protected]
Program Advancing Research for Equity (PARE)
June 26, 2023-August 18, 2023
PARE is a research initiative to provide highly talented and motivated junior and senior undergraduate Latinos with a rich experience in healthcare and biomedical research. This intensive 8-week summer research program aims to improve the quality of healthcare by providing students with practical knowledge of research studies and its importance in the healthcare field. Students will be paid a stipend for their participation.
PARE Requirements
- Complete all sections of the application
- Provide a copy of official school transcripts
- Provide one letter of recommendation from an instructor (eg. Faculty professor or advisor). Have the recommender send the signed letter via email to [email protected]
- 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
- Application deadline EXTENDED April 3, 2023
PARE Eligibility & Responsibilities
- Be a resident of the state of Illinois
- Must have rising sophomore, junior or senior with a pre-medical educational goal at an accredited college/university
- 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 (June 23, 2023), weekly research seminars, and complete exit interview
- Develop and present a scientific presentation and paper
- Work (research) Monday-Friday 30hrs/week
LaHSEP 3 is a six-week summer academic enrichment program for incoming first-year undergraduate students. It is FREE of charge. The program provides participants the opportunity to prepare for college by taking Math, English, Chemistry, and engaging in research. Additionally, LaHSEP allows participants to learn about the student resources at UIC, resulting in a smoother transition to college. This program is for first-year undergraduate students who plan to attend UIC or other four-year institutions in the fall and who have a career goal in medicine or the health sciences (priority given to UIC admitted students). LaHSEP will be held in person.
In addition to being exposed to college-level courses, participants will meet guest speakers in health careers, and former LaHSEP participants who are now medical students, meet other students in the program with similar goals, and go on field trips to explore healthcare careers.
Key Dates and Deadlines
November 1, 2022: Application opens online
June 2, 2023: Deadline for receipt of online applications and two (2) letters of recommendation
June 12, 2023: Selection and notification of participants
June 16, 2023: Orientation for participants in person (parents are welcome to attend)
June 20, 2023: First day of LaHSEP
July 28, 2023: Last day of LaHSEP
LaHSEP Track 3 will meet Monday through Friday beginning on June 19, 2023 and ending on July 28, 2023.
Program Requirements
- Must be an incoming first-year undergraduate (Freshman) in Fall 2023
- Have a genuine interest in medicine or the health sciences
- Must have been accepted and attending UIC or a four-year institution in the fall
- Submit a copy of your Accepting Offer –upload a copy on your online application
- High School Cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale—upload a copy of the most recent high school report card or upload your high school transcript
- Submit online LaHSEP application, personal statement, and one signed letter of recommendation
- Letters of recommendation must be on the high school’s letterhead and signed by the recommender
- Email letters of recommendation to Paulina Guzman at [email protected]
LaHSEP Meeting Times
- All students selected for LaHSEP are expected to participate for the entire six weeks, Monday – Friday.
- Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Friday from 9 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Participants will receive a $1000 stipend upon successful completion of the program.
How to apply
For full consideration please click on the APPLY NOW button and create an account. Complete the application for LaHSEP before the deadline. Make sure to submit ALL information and required documentation.
LaHSEP for incoming first-year undergraduates, freshmen, admitted to UIC or other four-year institutions for fall 2023
Program Duration: June 19, 2023 – July 28, 2023
Application Deadline: June 2, 2023
- Questions regarding LaHSEP Track 3:
Paulina M. Guzman Program Director Hispanic Center of Excellence in Medicine Department of Medical Education 808 S. Wood St., 990 CME (MC 591) Chicago, IL 60612-7333
Phone number: (312) 996-4493
Email: [email protected]