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Q. When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is Tuesday, January 15, 2013. (11:59 PM, EST)
Q. What are the eligibility requirements for the NIH Medical Research Scholars Program?
This program is intended for medical, dental, and veterinary students:
1. Candidates must currently be enrolled in a medical school accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, a dental school that is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, an osteopathic school that is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association, or a veterinary medical college that is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association, Council on Education.
2. Candidates in double degree, e.g., M.D./Ph.D., programs are eligible to apply.
3. The Medical Research Scholars Program is designed for students who have completed their initial clinical rotations, i.e., typically third-year, but does not exclude students with strong research interests from applying prior to having completed these rotations.
4. Candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
5. Fourth-year students qualify to apply and participate in the Medical Research Scholars Program. However, accepted fourth-year students must defer graduation before participation.
Q. Are there any suggestions regarding the submission of an online application?
To be considered for the MRSP, you must complete and submit your application by January 16, 2013 (12:00 A.M. Eastern Standard Time). Your application will be considered incomplete if you select the save option. Applications that are incomplete after the deadline will not receive further consideration.
We recommend entering temporary text (i.e.: will provide at a later date) in all of the required fields that you are not able to complete at the time you apply and then select the submit button at the bottom of the application. You can edit and update your application after you select the submit option.
It is your responsibility to ensure that all of your application information is correct. False or inaccurate information contained in an application may be grounds for denying candidacy or removing a participant from the program.
Q. How are my references notified about a request for a letter of recommendation and how are the letters submitted?
You must provide contact information for your three references in your on-line application. In order to allow your references to receive an electronic system-generated request for a letter of recommendation, you must select the submit button at the bottom of the application. Letters of recommendation can only be submitted electronically. In addition, your three letters of recommendation must be received on or before January 23, 2013 (12:00 A.M. Eastern Standard Time).
Q. How much is the stipend?
NIH Medical Research Scholars Program participants will receive an annual stipend of $33,700 for the 2012-2013 year.
Q. Is the NIH Medical Research Scholars Program stipend taxable?
Yes, although no monthly deductions are made, stipends are subject to state and federal income taxes. Quarterly tax payments are advised. A tax advisor can provide further information.
Q. Is housing provided?
Yes, this is a residential program, and participants are required to live in the housing provided: either leased two-bedroom/two-bath apartments for two single students or one-bedroom apartments for couples, in Bethesda, MD, within walking distance of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) campus, or one-bedroom and studio apartments which are available on the NIH campus. All rents include utilities (gas/electric, and water), and apartments are furnished with the basics for living. Students are expected to provide their own linens. There are no pets allowed.
Q. How long is the NIH Medical Research Scholars Program fellowship?
The NIH Medical Research Scholars Program is a 12-month program. All of the selected Scholars are expected to participate in the program for 12 months. However, there will be limited capacity for a select number of students to spend a second research year.
Q. Will I be assigned an advisor when I arrive?
Yes, after acceptance into the program, i.e, before your arrival, Scholars are assigned an advisor (tutor) from the program’s Board of Tutors, if possible based on their stated area of interest. The tutor oversees the Scholar’s training, helps to identify a research mentor, and offers guidance to the Scholar throughout his/her tenure in the program.
Q. How do I select a research mentor?
After the Scholar arrives, your tutor will help you in selecting an appropriate and qualified research mentor from the many basic /translational/clinical principal investigators at the NIH. Scholars interview with potential mentors during their first week on campus, prior to making their selection, which must be approved by the Scholar’s tutor and the program.
Q. Is health insurance required?
Yes, Scholars must have health insurance to participate in this program. The cost of health insurance benefits are covered by the program. A health insurance policy can be obtained through the NIH Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences (FAES). The program will privately reimburse for outside insurance coverage if the individual is enrolled in a private health insurance plan that meets NIH requirements.
Q. Are NIH Medical Research Scholars reimbursed for moving expenses?
Yes, the program will reimburse the Scholars for reasonable costs associated with relocation to the NIH and back to the Scholars school at the end of the fellowship, up to a predetermined maximum amount.
Q. Can educational loans be deferred while I am in this program?
Yes, participants in NIH-based year-out enrichment programs have been able to defer student loans while in training programs at the NIH. As a NIH Medical Research Scholars Program participant, you are considered to be engaged in a graduate fellowship. A NIH Medical Research Scholars Program administrator can provide guidance if you have any questions. Scholars should contact their financial aid officer to determine their school’s mechanism for deferment. An administrator at the Office of Clinical Research Training and Medical Education at the NIH should be promptly notified if you have any difficulties related to loan deferment.
Q. Are NIH Medical Research Scholars Program participants permitted to take academic courses at the NIH?
Yes, Scholars may take courses during the Fall and Spring semesters through the FAES graduate school, which is located on campus. The cost of the tuition and books for approved courses will be paid by the program from the Scholar’s allotted education fund.
Q. Is travel support available for Scholars who wish to attend scientific meetings?
Yes, NIH Medical Research Scholars Program participants may attend and be supported for domestic scientific or professional meetings while in the program. The Scholar’s mentor and a program administrator must approve the conference or meeting.
Q. Do I still need to submit a transcript even though I entered my grades into the electronic application system?
Yes, NIH Medical Research Scholars Program candidates are required to submit an official medical, dental, or veterinary school transcript if accepted to participate in the program. The grades entered into the electronic application are for evaluation purposes only.
Q. Who do I contact if I have further questions?
For answers to further questions, please contact Mr. Kenny Williams via e-mail at williajk@mail.nih.gov.
