The Urban High School Premedical Mentorship Program is a selective two-year program managed by the Dermatology and Clinical Research Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Fellowship, for rising high school juniors to get an early start in exploring a career in medicine. Our goal is to provide supportive mentorship for high school students from diverse communities, ideally to develop a pipeline into medicine for underrepresented populations.

High school sophomores apply towards the end of their sophomore year, and must submit their transcript and a letter of recommendation. Once accepted, each is matched with a premedical fellow who will regularly meet with them for two years, until they graduate. During this time, students contribute to patient outreach initiatives by writing informative essays on dermatological conditions, attend journal clubs, and receive college application guidance.

After graduating high school, participants who successfully complete the program may be offered the opportunity to become a mentor themselves when they matriculate into college. In this capacity, they support the new cohort of high school students by screening applicants and continuing the work of the program. Additionally, as appropriate, while in college and if successfully meeting program requirements, college participants may be invited to visit the clinic for possible opportunities such as paid summer internships and, when available, international medical mission trips with the clinical team, costs for which must be funded by the participants themselves. Overall, these experiences promote longitudinal service, leadership development, and a solid foundation in the skills necessary to be successful in college and a medical career.

We strongly encourage community groups such as Boys & Girls Clubs of America, YMCA, and church groups to refer their youth interested in medicine to our program. Our premedical fellows also offer presentations about career exploration to high schools and youth groups. Please email us at info@dermcare.expert with any inquiries, or to apply to our program.