HEART Summer Program

 

Application Process:

The HEART Summer Program application for 2024 is now closed.
The HEART Summer Program application process includes two components: (1) the Leadership Alliance SR-EIP application, and (2) the HEART supplementary application. Each year, applications open on November 1st and close on February 1st at 11:59pm PT.

You must submit an application through the Leadership Alliance Summer Research Early Identification Program (SR-EIP) and designate Harvard University Division of Medical Sciences as one of your application recipients. Required SR-EIP application materials include the following:

  1. A personal statement explaining your goals, research interest and experience and why you want to participate in the summer program (no more than 1,000 words)
  2. Two strong letters of recommendation that speak to your work in the lab and in the classroom
  3. A demonstrated commitment to scientific research, as shown by coursework, research, and recommendations
  4. Unofficial transcript(s) in PDF format

Link to SR-EIP application: https://theleadershipalliance.org/summer-research-early-identification-program. 

In addition to the SR-EIP application, you must complete a HEART supplementary application, which includes an additional four short essay questions. The questions include the following:

  1. In alignment with Harvard Medical School's mission to alleviate suffering and improve health and wellbeing for all, HEART is committed to training a diverse and inclusive cohort of students to be future leaders in science and medicine. Please discuss how your unique experiences and interests will contribute to the shared missions of HEART and HMS. (300 words max.)
  2. The physician-scientist track involves translating discoveries from the bench to the bedside and using patient interactions as inspiration for future research questions. Why are you interested in training to become a physician-scientist, and how do you hope to impact the field of medicine in your career? (300 words max.)
  3. Medicine as a profession requires caring for people when they are sick or otherwise in need. Tell us about a time that you cared for someone and what you learned. (150 words max.)
  4. Tell us about a community that is important to you and describe your contributions to that community. Examples may include family, friends, sports teams, school clubs, hobbies, community centers, etc. (150 words max.)

Link to HEART application: https://hms.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_enBCEadwyw8moQe. 

The SR-EIP application, HEART Program supplementary application, and all associated materials are due by February 1st at 11:59pm PT. Extensions for this deadline cannot be granted, so we highly recommend applying early. For additional questions regarding the admissions process, please see the SHURP and SR-EIP websites or e-mail us at mdphdheart@hms.harvard.edu.

The HEART Summer Program welcomes all eligible applications and is not exclusionary on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion, national and ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, socioeconomic background, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.