Student Physician-Scientist Accelerated Research and Clinical Training Program Application

The Student Physician-Scientist Accelerated Research and Clinical Training Program (SPARC) is a eight (8) week summer program designed to introduce high school juniors and seniors to the physician-scientist career path by immersing them in hands-on biomedical research, clinical shadowing and professional development. Hosted by the University of Louisville (UofL) MD-PhD Program, this initiative provides early exposure to the intersection of medicine and scientific discovery, equipping students with the knowledge, skills and mentorship to pursue careers as physician-scientists. Students will work on mentored research projects in cutting-edge laboratories at UofL, shadow clinicians and physician-scientists and attend career development workshops focused on leadership, scientific communication and the transition to college and professional training. By the end of the program, students will present their research findings at a scientific symposium, gaining valuable experience in scientific communication.

The Student Physician-Scientist Accelerated Research and Clinical Training Program aims to build a strong pipeline of diverse, highly motivated students who are prepared to enter undergraduate STEM programs, biomedical research careers and physician-scientist training pathways. Through longitudinal mentorship and networking opportunities, SPARC will continue to support students beyond the summer program, fostering a new generation of leaders in medical research and healthcare innovation.

Program Benefits

• Increasing awareness and interest in the physician-scientist career path by providing hands-on exposure to biomedical research and clinical medicine.
• Developing critical research skills by engaging students in laboratory experiences under the mentorship of leading scientists at UofL.
• Enhancing understanding of translational medicine by showing how scientific discoveries impact patient care.
• Providing clinical exposure by shadowing a physician in outpatient clinics, hospitals and specialty areas
• Fostering professional and academic development through workshops on scientific communication, career pathways and college/medical school preparation.
• Preparing students for future academic success by equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to transition into competitive undergraduate research programs and, ultimately, MD-PhD or MSTP training.

Program Information

• Duration: Summer: 8 weeks
• Eligibility: Applicants who will be high school juniors or seniors in Fall 2026 will be eligible. Applicants must be at least 16 years old by the program’s start date: June 8, 2026. During the program, students must have accommodations in or near Louisville that enable them to participate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. via a daily commute. Additionally, they must currently reside in and attend a high school in the U.S. and be U.S. citizens or permanent residents (green card holders) to be eligible to apply.
• Stipend: $2,500
• Final Event: Research Symposium and Awards Poster Presentation

The Student Physician-Scientist Accelerated Research and Clinical Training Program begins Monday, June 8, 2026, and ends Friday, July 31, 2026 - with observance of two University Holidays: Juneteenth (June 19) and Independence Day (July 3).

This 2026 program will accept 8 students. The position requires a full-time effort and commitment. Students accepted into the program will not be able to participate in another activity (e.g., enrollment in classes, prematriculation program, other summer employment, international internship etc.) as a full-time participation is expected (M-F, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.) for the entire eight (8) week program.

Program Contact

Rania Gomaa
Program Coordinator Senior

rania.gomaaabdelhay@louisville.edu

Program Application

• Complete the Application using the link below or at this website: redcap.link/zo6ulkqj
• The SPARC Application Deadline: Sunday, March 1, 2026
• There are three (3) required documents to provide with your application, so Apply Early.

Student Physician-Scientist Accelerated Research and Clinical Training Program Application