Application Process:

Applications for Summer 2025 are now open until February 3, 2025 at 11:59pm PT.

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 3rd 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 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. (250 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 in particular, rather than purely focusing on clinical work or research? How do you hope to impact the field of medicine in your career? (250 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 have cared for someone either within or outside of a clinical setting and how that informed your desire to become a doctor. (250 words 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? (250 words max.)

Link to HEART application: https://hms.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_brpGt50g06LqN5s.

The SR-EIP application, HEART Program supplementary application, and all associated materials are due by February 3rd 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.