The Pre-Health Scholars Program (PSP) is a multi-year academic enrichment, mentoring, and career exploration program for pre-health students sponsored by The University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Department of Medical Education, Office of Student and Community Engagement, and the Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Program. The program provides support and services to students throughout their undergraduate experience. We are seeking rising sophomores (some juniors will be considered) to participate in a multi-year enriching educational and experiential learning program. The program components include academic and clinical experiences that highlight exciting components of healthcare. 

OSDE will work with the students as they move through their undergraduate experience, with each year adding new experiences and opportunities. Recent participants have earned paid research positions, internships and work experiences while still undergraduates.

More than 40% of PSP participants have gained acceptance to advanced health care programs including: MPH, DDS, DO, MD, PA, and PhD programs.  Former students are at MD programs at UF, FSU, USF, UCF, Emory, Meharry, Howard, Stanford, Columbia and the University of Chicago for PhD.

The journey begins with a six-week summer program beginning the second week of May.

Educational Grants

Accepted and matriculated PSP students who fulfill their on-going obligations while in the initial summer program receive a $1500 educational grant.

Additional grants or stipends are available to support research positions, as well as test preparation materials and costs.

PSP Summer Program Overview

A maximum of fifteen students will be accepted into PSP each year. The summer program will help participants enhance science inquiry and communication skills by utilizing Small Group Problem-based Learning, and exploring time management and test-taking strategies to enhance learning skills. The program provides exposure to various health professions through clinical experiences and offers professional school admissions information through interaction with faculty, staff, and current professional students.

The PSP summer session includes clinical, academic, and hands-on opportunities to learn more about medicine and other health careers. We will take part in sessions from the Morsani College of Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Public Health, the School of Physical Therapy, the Taneja College of Pharmacy, and our Physician Assistant program.

After the summer PSP session is complete, the rest of our work is just beginning. OSDE will continue to support you with tutoring sessions, research assistance, and volunteer opportunities. This will include regular advising sessions, long-term professional development, application, and test prep assistance. As part of the PSP family, you will become both a mentor and mentee as you work towards your goals.

Application Processes and Eligibility

The application is open now and the priority deadline for submissions is March 1st. Eligibility details are in the application. International students are welcome to apply, but will not be eligible for the $1500 stipend. 

All applications received by the deadline will be considered equally. Please start the process early so you are able to submit all materials by March 1st priority deadline. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed if space is available.

Application Link: Pre-health Scholars application

Priority Application Deadline: March 1st, 2024. Applications will be accepted after this date and reviewed as space is available. 

Questions

For any questions please contact Kevin Casey at kevinjcasey@usf.edu.