American College of Rheumatology Research and Education Foundation/Abbott Medical Student Research Preceptorship
Applications Due Online August 2, 2012
Application, format and submission requirement: All applications must be submitted electronically via the ACR REF Web site by 5:00 PM (ET) on the deadline. Please avoid jargon and abbreviations in your application. To submit your application, visit the Web site for a link to the online application, which will be available at least 30 days prior to each deadline. Additional information is available at www.rheumatology.org/REF, or by contacting the REF at REF@rheumatology.org or (404) 633-3777.
Purpose
The purpose of this award is to introduce students to the specialty of rheumatology by supporting a full-time research experience.
Eligibility
Only students enrolled in LCME or AOA COCA accredited medical schools undergraduate students who have been accepted into medical school are eligible. MD/PhD students and previous student participants are not eligible. Preceptors are responsible for selecting student applicants and must be ACR members. Preceptors are limited to two students each summer and must complete the online application. Individuals who are personally related to the proposed student are not eligible to serve as the student's Preceptor. Interested students should contact their medical school's department of medicine/rheumatology or a division of pediatric rheumatology in a department of pediatrics.
Citizenship
Applicant must be a citizen of the United States, Canada or Mexico. US residents who are not citizens must be in lawful possession of a permanent resident card. Individuals on temporary (J1, H1) or student visas are not eligible Non-citizen nationals are eligible to apply. This generally includes persons born in outlying possessions of the United States (e.g., American Samoa and Swains Island).
Award Terms and Funding
All programs must be eight weeks, and may be completed any time during the academic year. The preceptorship may not be used for elective credit. Students will receive $3,000 per eight-week session. Mentors will receive $1,000 to cover related laboratory expenses. Students are also eligible to receive complimentary registration as well as reimbursement for up to $1,000 in travel expenses to attend the ACR/ARHP Annual Scientific Meeting during the current award year or the following year. Students must notify the REF prior to attendance to receive these benefits.
Reporting Requirements
The preceptor must participate in all efforts to track the outcome of the student(s) and their increased awareness of the rheumatology field during the time of the award and up to three years after the award. This information is vital to measure the success of this program. Each participant (preceptor and student) will be required to complete an evaluation form at the end of their participation in the program.
Review Criteria
Each application will be ranked on the following criteria:
1. Scientific merit, the program's relevance to rheumatology (clinical and basic science), and feasibility of the student's role in the proposed plans/experiences.
2. Preceptor's credentials as related to the project, and previous experience as a mentor.
3. Institutional research environment, including any coursework or seminars specifically prepared for summer students.
Funding Source
Funding for this award is made possible through the Abbott Endowment for Rheumatology Development.
