University of Louisville Schools of Medicine and Dentistry
Louisville, Ky.

Overview

Be part of an academic learning community that is at the center of a diverse biomedical research and health care complex in downtown Louisville, Kentucky. The University of Louisville's SMDEP offers daily opportunities for rural, minority, and disadvantaged undergraduates to experience the way in which and science are integrated into medical and dental school studies and careers. This six-week summer residential program offers participants three hours of academic credit along with free housing, meals, a stipend, and limited partial travel assistance.

The core academic activity is a three credit-hour course, Introduction to Fundamentals of Biomedical Sciences. Scholars are assigned to one of eight clusters that experience a new way of integrating and applying the basic sciences utilizing team-based medical/dental applications. Team-Based Learning focuses on providing high-quality educational experiences for health sciences students to promote individualized learning within a group and to maximize efficient use of instructional resources. Our professors (content experts) serve as facilitators as class time is shifted from memorizing toward applying and integrating information. Weekly academic themes are reinforced by clinical correlations as dentists and physicians demonstrate the links between basic science understanding and clinical situations. Health Disparities Symposium will raise scholars' awareness of health inequities and health inequalities confronting underserved populations. Classroom activities in our Standardized Patient Center and Simulation Labs provide hands-on learning opportunities. Oral and written communication strategies are emphasized in special instructional sessions and in all classroom and team-based learning activities.

Sessions with practicing physicians, dentists, professional school admissions officers and counselors will guide each scholar's creation of a customized academic and career plan.

Please note: We offer an MCAT/DAT Program that has an application process that is separate from the SMDEP process. SMDEP scholars have the option of applying (via a separate packet available through our office) for consideration to stay an additional four weeks for our intense MCAT/DAT prep following completion of the six-week academic program.

Finances

• Meals: 3 meals a day, Monday-Friday, with 2 meals on Saturday at our prestigious University Club located near residence hall.

• Travel Assistance: Need based with cap of $200/eligible disadvantaged student. To apply to be considered for partial assistance, scholar must live more than 300 miles from SMDEP site for air travel assistance and more than 100 miles away for partial reimbursement of car travel.

• Stipend: 3 installments at the end of week 2, week 4, and week 6.

Living

• Housing: University of Louisville dormitory; two students of same gender share dorm room.

• Health Insurance: Partial health plan provided for students with no health insurance.

• Social Activities: Fourth of July picnic, talent show and luncheon on riverboat cruise, Muhammad Ali Center, and Waterfront Park.

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