Pathway Programs

The Early Medical School Selection Program (EMSSP) offers an enriched educational experience through a carefully structured program that includes mentorship, academic advising, and professional development. Participants begin their preparation during undergraduate studies and transition to BU’s medical school curriculum as early as the summer after their junior year. Students take courses at Boston University and participate in clinical exposure, research opportunities, and seminars to strengthen their academic foundation and understanding of medical practice.

The Emerging Scientific Scholars Program (ESSP) is a professional development program designed for doctoral students in the biomedical sciences from backgrounds that have been historically underrepresented in the sciences. In the pre-matriculation phase, our program aims to provide students with the mentoring and support they need to initiate their graduate studies at the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine Graduate Medical Sciences. Upon arrival, we will provide peer and faculty mentoring to ease the transition and help students navigate the hidden aspects of the graduate school curriculum. The program is designed to strengthen each cohort as a community of scholars, thereby increasing feelings of belonging.

The American Heart Association Supporting Undergraduate Research Experiences (AHA SURE) is a 10-week mentored research experience focused on cardiovascular and brain research. The program offers hands-on research opportunities in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health to underrepresented undergraduate students. This initiative fosters mentorship, professional development, and academic growth while promoting diversity and inclusion in medical research. Participants engage in a transformative summer experience, gaining critical skills and insights into the fields of biomedical science and public health.

The STARS (Summer Training as Research Scholars) Program at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine is a premier summer research initiative designed to provide undergraduate students with hands-on research experience in the biomedical sciences. Over 10 weeks, participants engage in mentored research projects, professional development workshops, and networking opportunities to prepare them for advanced studies and careers in STEM fields. The program fosters a supportive environment for future leaders in science and medicine.

The Boston University Post-baccalaureate Research Education Program (BU PREP) is a year-long initiative designed for recent bachelor’s degree recipients aiming to enter competitive PhD programs in biomedical sciences. The program fosters mentoring relationships to enhance personal and scientific development. Participants are paired with faculty from the Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, gain access to advanced research facilities, and receive comprehensive advising to create personalized career plans. The curriculum includes seminars, workshops, journal clubs, and the option to enroll in PhD-level courses.

The American Cancer Society Post-Baccalaureate Research Fellows Program at Boston University is a two-year initiative to strengthen the cancer research workforce by supporting individuals pursuing careers in biomedical sciences. Scholars engage in comprehensive biomedical research under the mentorship of faculty members, working on well-defined projects while gaining the skills and resources necessary to thrive in careers in cancer research.

The American Cancer Society grant supports the program, which offers research assistantships, annual stipends, personalized advising, and enrichment activities, including seminars, graduate-level courses, and professional development workshops. Fellows also benefit from access to support services, opportunities to present at scientific meetings, and networking events to foster personal and scientific growth. Faculty mentors are drawn from various departments within the Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, providing participants with a robust foundation for their future careers in the cancer research workforce.

The Summer Program in Neuroscience (SPIN) at Boston University offers an immersive eight-week experience at the School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center. It offers students a unique opportunity to delve into the intricacies of neuroscience and its intersection with medicine.

The program combines clinical exposure, didactic sessions, and mentored research to deepen participants’ understanding of neuroscience and biomedical science. SPIN is designed to nurture research skills and career aspirations, equipping students with the knowledge and experience to pursue advanced biomedical research or medicine careers. Through its interdisciplinary approach, the program serves as a platform for participants to gain hands-on research experience and explore the complexities of the brain in relation to medical science.

The Addiction Medicine Clinical Research Training Program (CARE) at Boston University is dedicated to advancing knowledge and practice in addiction medicine through a comprehensive approach. The program conducts cutting-edge research, educates healthcare professionals, provides high-quality healthcare, and informs clinical and public health practices and policies.

CARE aims to improve the lives of individuals affected by unhealthy alcohol and drug use by integrating research and education into actionable solutions. Through its interdisciplinary initiatives, CARE engages participants in research and training opportunities that prepare them for impactful careers in clinical practice, public health, and addiction medicine. CARE bridges the gap between research, education, and policy to promote better outcomes for individuals and communities.

The BEAMS (Boston Educational Access to Medical Sciences) Program at Boston University aims to inspire and support youth from Boston and surrounding areas in exploring careers in healthcare.

Through career exploration and mentoring in science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine (STEMM), BEAMS provides students with valuable opportunities to explore STEMM fields and consider future careers in healthcare. The program offers a supportive environment that enables participants to develop skills, gain insight into healthcare and medical sciences, and connect with mentors who guide them in achieving their academic and professional goals. BEAMS is dedicated to preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals.

The Physician Researchers in Training (PRiT) program allows students to gain experience in research design, subject interviewing, data collection, data entry, data analysis, and/or data presentation through a research project. Students will acquire clinical exposure in harm reduction, screening, diagnosing, and treating patients with drug and alcohol problems through multiple observer experiences, including a methadone maintenance clinic, office-based opioid treatment with a buprenorphine program, and an inpatient addiction consult service.

The Medical Student Summer Research Program (MSSRP) at Boston University offers mentored research experiences for medical students during the summer between their first and second years of medical school.

This program enables students to participate in hands-on research projects across various medical disciplines, developing their investigative skills and deepening their understanding of biomedical research. MSSRP pairs participants with experienced faculty mentors who guide them through the research process, helping to build a strong foundation for future careers in medicine and research. This immersive experience allows students to deepen their knowledge and contribute to advancements in medical science.

The BU-BMC Summer Science Scholars Program introduces local high school students to the exciting world of scientific research through a week-long immersive experience in research labs at Boston University and Boston Medical Center.

Participants explore various aspects of scientific inquiry and gain hands-on experience working alongside researchers in state-of-the-art facilities. The program aims to inspire the next generation of scientists by providing students with a unique opportunity to engage in the research process and learn about potential careers in science and medicine. This initiative fosters curiosity, builds foundational knowledge, and promotes interest in STEM fields among high school students from the local community.

The AID-GC Undergraduate Internship at Boston University is designed to recruit and support aspiring genetic counselors from various backgrounds.

This program offers a comprehensive introduction to genetic counseling, providing participants with the knowledge, mentorship, and resources needed to pursue careers in this expanding healthcare field. Through immersive experiences, tailored guidance, and professional exposure, AID-GC prepares participants for successful careers in genetic counseling.

The Expanding the Pipeline to Graduate Research in Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (EPGRAD) program, hosted in Boston as part of the BU branch through George Washington University, is a summer education and research training program designed for undergraduate students.

The program aims to inspire and support students in pursuing advanced studies and careers in medicine, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEMM), with a focus on Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias (ADRD). EPGRAD provides participants with hands-on research experience, educational opportunities, and mentorship to prepare them for impactful careers in ADRD research and STEM fields.

Boston University’s Biomedical Graduate Training Programs at the Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine allow students to engage in cutting-edge research, receive mentorship, and develop the skills necessary for biomedical science and healthcare careers. Participants gain hands-on experience and tailored support to navigate academic and professional pathways, preparing them for success in the biomedical field.

The ACCESS Granted Program (Advancing Career & Community Equity in STEMM [Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Medicine]) Granted Program through the Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine is a comprehensive initiative designed to optimize educational and career outcomes in STEMM for students in the greater Boston region, particularly those from backgrounds with numerically limited participation in these fields. Through strategic collaborations, applied learning experiences, and sustained mentorship, the program advances community engagement and academic opportunity by providing early exposure and structured support in STEMM career pathways.