School of Medicine

TUSM/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.
    • One-page diversity statement (250 - 500 words) that addresses how you have contributed to or supported diversity, equity, and inclusion in the past.
    • Official transcript*
    • Two faculty letters of recommendation for the Clinical Pathway and One faculty letter of recommendation for the PHD (P2P) Pathway*
    • Recent, passport-style photo to be uploaded to the application

    *Recommendations and official transcripts should be received in our office by October 11, 2024 by 12 noon. Please email to TUSM-UMB@tufts.edu or mail to Tufts University School of Medicine, ATTN: Marlene Jreaswec, 145 Harrison Ave., Suite 833, Boston, MA 02111

    Application Submission Process:
    Marlene Jreaswec, Program Manager (617-636-0992) 
    Kimberly Burke, Program Administrator (617-636-2469)
    Office for Multicultural Affairs, TUSM
    145 Harrison Ave., Suite 833, Boston, MA 02111
    TUSM-UMB@tufts.edu

    Academic Eligibility:
    Pre-Medical and Allied Health Advising
    Wheatley, 4th floor, suite 151
    College of Science and Mathematics
    University of Massachusetts Boston
    premedadvising@umb.edu
    Office: 617-287-4846

    Pre & Post Selection Process:
    Marlene Jreaswec, Program Manager
    Tufts University School of Medicine
    Office for Multicultural Affairs
    Office: 617-636-0992

  • September 17, 2024
    Information Session: 4-5:30pm

    October 11, 2024 by 12 noon
    Application Deadline
    All application materials, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, Personal statement, and application form must be received by this date.

    November 4, 2024
    Selection decisions will be announced.

    November 5, 2024
    Students will be informed to schedule an appointment with Tufts Medical Center’s Employee Health Services. 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 after this date. A list of customary immunizations can be found on the program application. Employee Health 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 but not mandated.

    January 6 - 22, 2025
    Program Dates

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

    Application Submission Process

    Marlene Jreaswec, Program Manager (617-636-0992) 
    Kimberly Burke, Program Administrator (617-636-2469)
    Office for Multicultural Affairs, TUSM
    145 Harrison Ave., Suite 833, Boston, MA 02111
    TUSM-UMB@tufts.edu

    Academic Eligibility

    Pre-Medical and Allied Health Advising
    Wheatley, 4th floor, Suite 151
    College of Science and Mathematics
    University of Massachusetts Boston
    Office: 617-287-4846

    Pre & Post Selection Process

    Marlene Jreaswec, Program Manager
    Tufts University School of Medicine
    Office for Multicultural Affairs
    Office: 617-636-0992