HEART Summer Program

 

Application Process:

Applications for Summer 2027 are now open.

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 in early February.

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.

Link to HEART applications: 

https://hms.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_efXn65JAA4pPqUS 

For additional questions regarding the admissions process, please see the SHURP and SR-EIP websites or e-mail us at mdphdheart@hms.harvard.edu.

HEART 2027 Application Essay Questions 

(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 dynamic and welcoming cohort of students to be future leaders in science and medicine. Please discuss any challenges or barriers you may have faced in accessing research or clinical opportunities and how your participation in HEART will help you overcome these barriers. (1500 characters max.) 

Please note that there is no expectation to share detailed sensitive information, and you should refrain from including anything that you would not feel at ease sharing. 

(2) The physician-scientist track involves translating discoveries from the bench to the bedside and using patient interactions as inspiration for research questions. Why are you interested in training to become a physician-scientist in particular, rather than purely focusing on clinical work or research? How do you hope to impact the field of medicine in your career? (1500 characters 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 have cared for someone either within or outside of a clinical setting and how that informed your desire to become a doctor. (1500 characters max.) 

(4) HEART aims to train physician-scientists committed to identifying and resolving the vast inequalities in how healthcare is delivered in the United States and across the globe. Please tell us about a time that you experienced, witnessed, or learned about a disparity in healthcare. What is one idea you have on how your training as a physician-scientist could help you address that inequality? (1500 characters max.)

The HEART Summer Program welcomes applications from all students who meet the eligibility criteria for participation in our program (see FAQs).