MD/PhD Summer Undergraduate Research Program Application

The University of Louisville (UofL) MD-PhD Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program is designed especially for undergraduate students interested in pursuing a combined MD-PhD degree. SURF introduces students to physician-scientist career paths, elucidate the MD-PhD application process and mentor students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. Students will spend 10 weeks in the Lab of a UofL faculty mentor, shadow a clinician weekly and have interactions with current MD-PhD Students.

Select Your Area of Research:

• Cancer Biology
• Immunology
• Neuroscience
• Microbiology
• Genetics
• Environmental Disorders
• Health Services and Clinical Investigation
• Bioengineering
• Cardiovascular Biology
• Pharmacology
• Biochemistry 
• Physiology

The University of Louisville MD-PhD Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program begins Tuesday, May 26, 2026, and ends Friday, July 31, 2026 - with observance of two University Holidays: Juneteenth (June 19) and Independence Day (July 3).

The 2026 program will accept 10 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.) during the entire 10 week program.

Program Overview

• 10 week Research Project conducted in the laboratory of a Scientist at the University of Louisville
• Shadowing a clinician a half-day each week
• Weekly Research Seminars
• Interactions with current University of Louisville MD-PhD Students
• Weekly Professional Development Seminars

Program Benefits

• Enhance Research Skills
• Gain insight into MD-PhD application process and physician-scientist careers
• $5,500 stipend allowance
• Housing on the University of Louisville campus
• Travel Allowance
• Networking and Professional Development

Program Requirements

• Complete Research Project
• Attend Weekly Seminars
• Present a 20-minute Presentation and Research Poster at Final Symposium
• Complete Pre- and Post-Evaluation Surveys

Program Eligibility

• You are 18 or older, as of the start of the program
• You are a U.S. Citizen or a Permanent Resident
• You are a Rising Sophomore, Junior or Senior
• You have a 3.0 GPA or higher

Program Information

Rania Gomaa
Program Coordinator Senior

rania.gomaaabdelhay@louisville.edu

Program Application

• Complete the Application using the link below or at this website: redcap.link/ta2e3ady
• The SURF Application Deadline: Sunday, February 1, 2026
• You will need to write two (2) short papers and provide your educational transcripts, so Apply Early.

MD-PhD Summer Undergraduate Research Program Application

MD/PhD Summer Undergraduate Research Program Application