School of Medicine

Tufts University School of Medicine/UMass Boston Enrichment Program

Each January, a select group of UMass Boston (UMB) pre-medical and pre-research students spend three weeks at Tufts University School of Medicine as part of an enrichment program designed to (i) introduce future doctors to the kind of teamwork inherent in medical problem-solving or (ii) provide students interested in scientific research with hands-on experience conducting biomedical research. Students participate in seminars, gain valuable experience, and build connections that will foster their development as future clinicians and biomedical researchers.

The goals of the program are to:

  • Provide research and clinical exposure.
  • Provide an opportunity to establish mentoring relationships with Tufts School of Medicine faculty and graduate and professional students.
  • Provide mentoring and advice on how to strengthen candidacy for applying to graduate and professional degree programs.
  • Create a forum for students to learn to examine complex health challenges and potential solutions from a multidisciplinary, inter-professional perspective.
  • Introduce students to team-based learning in a simulated setting.
  • Learn about career options in medicine, public health, basic sciences, and more.

The program offers two different schedules: one for those interested in clinical and health careers and one for students interested in biomedical research. Details about each program, how to apply, and important dates and deadlines follow.

  • Goals of the Program

    • Provide research and clinical exposure.
    • Provide an opportunity to establish mentoring relationships with Tufts School of Medicine faculty, graduate and professional students.
    • Provide mentoring and advice on how to strengthen candidacy for applying to medical school and professional degree programs.
    • Increase awareness of ways to finance graduate education.
    • Create a forum for students to learn to examine complex health challenges and potential solutions from a multidisciplinary, inter-professional perspective.
    • Introduce students to team-based learning in a simulated setting.
    • Learn about career options in medicine, public health, basic sciences, and more.

    Curriculum Overview

    • Science and Society Seminar
    • Introduction to Physical Diagnosis
    • Clinical Shadowing
    • Case-based learning
    • Journal Club
    • Careers in Medicine
    • Applying to medical school
    • How to apply to MD and PhD programs
    • Financing your graduate education

  • Goals of the Program

    • Expose students to biomedical research and develop critical thinking skills when designing and evaluating research.
    • Provide an opportunity to establish mentoring relationships with Tufts School of Medicine faculty and graduate students.
    • Provide mentoring and advice on how to strengthen candidacy for applying to summer internships and graduate programs.
    • Expose students to different career options available to students interested in biomedical research.

    Curriculum Overview

    • Conduct experiments in the areas of neuroscience, microbiology, immunology, cancer research, and more.
    • Learn different research techniques, appreciate their limitations, understand how to analyze and interpret results, and effectively present data.
    • Present research findings and discuss their significance and future directions.
    • Network with graduate students and professors at Tufts University School of Medicine and the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.
    • Learn how to apply to different summer research programs, post-baccalaureate programs, and graduate school.

    For more details, visit the Pathway to a PhD web pages.

  • Eligibility

    • Sophomores and Juniors
    • Have completed the following courses
      • One year of Biology
      • One year of Chemistry
      • One semester of Calculus
      • One semester of Organic Chemistry
    • For students applying to the Pathway to Clinical & Health Careers, a GPA of 3.2 or better is required. For those applying to the Pathway to a PhD in the Biomedical Sciences, a 3.2 is recommended, but not required.

    Application Components

    • Online application form
    • One-page personal statement (maximum 500 words) that addresses the following:
      • Your interest in the program
      • Your career interests and/or professional goals
      • Relevant experience as it relates to your career goals and the program
      • What you hope to gain from participating in the program
      • Students applying to the Pathway to PhD program should describe why they are interested in Biomedical research.
    • Official transcript*
    • Two faculty letters of recommendation for the Clinical Pathway and One faculty letter of recommendation for the PHD (P2P) Pathway*

    *Recommendations and official transcripts should be received in our office by October 5, 2026 by 2:00PM. Please email to TUSM-UMB@tufts.edu or mail to Tufts University School of Medicine, ATTN: Kimberly Burke, 200 Harrison Avenue - Posner Hall Annex, 3rd Floor Suite, 306W

    Application Submission Process:

    Kimberly Burke, Program Manager (617-636-2469)
    Office for Multicultural Affairs, TUSM
    200 Harrison Avenue - Posner Hall Annex, 3rd Floor Suite, 306W, Boston, MA 02111
    TUSM-UMB@tufts.edu

    Academic Eligibility:

    CSM Student Success Center
    Wheatley Peters Hall, 4th floor, Suite 151
    College of Science and Mathematics
    University of Massachusetts Boston
    studentsuccess@umb.edu
    Office: 617-287-4846

    Pre & Post Selection Process:
    Kimberly Burke, Program Manager
    Tufts University School of Medicine
    Office for Multicultural Affairs
    Office: 617-636-2469

    • September 16, 2026
      Information Session: 3-4:30pm
      Followed by Call for Applications on same date
       
    • October 5, 2026
      Application Deadline
       
    • All application materials, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, Personal statement, and application form must be received by this date.
       
    • October 26, 2026
      Selection decisions will be announced.
       
    • Week of November 16, 2026 or sooner 
      Students will receive a Welcome Letter from Tufts Medical center Volunteer Office with instructions and may be informed to schedule an appointment with Tufts Medical Center’s Employee Health Services to present all health documents. Flu vaccination (within 3 months of the January program) and COVID documentation along with Immunization records for all accepted students must be ready to be presented to Tufts Medical Center Employee Health Services, ASAP and within the timeframe presented by Tufts Medical Center (TMC).  A list of customary immunizations can be found on the program application. Employee Health will confirm all that will be needed. 
       
    • Documentation of receiving an up-to-date COVID -19 vaccine is defined by the CDC. It is highly recommended. Immunization and health records for accepted students should be ready for review by November 16, 2026.  All students shoud be cleared by Employee Health by November 27, 2026 to join the program.
       
    • January 5 - 20, 2027
      Program Dates

  • If you have questions about the TUSM/UMass Enrichment Program, please contact the appropriate person listed below.

    Application Submission Process, Pre & Post Selection Process

    Kimberly Burke, Program Manager (617-636-2469)
    Office for Multicultural Affairs, Tufts University School of Medicine
    200 Harrison Avenue - Posner Hall Annex, 3rd Floor Suite, 306W, Boston, MA 02111
    TUSM-UMB@tufts.edu

    Academic Eligibility

    CSM Student Success Center
    Wheatley Peters Hall, 4th floor, suite 151
    College of Science and Mathematics
    University of Massachusetts Boston
    Office: 617-287-4846
     studentsuccess@umb.edu