The Native American Health Organization/Four Directions Summer Research
Program is seeking applicants for the summer 1996 program. This is an
opportunity for adult Native Americans interested in medicine or biomedical
research to conduct full-time research at Harvard Medical School (H.M.S.).
Participants will do research with investigators whose research interests
range from neurobiology and neuropathology to cell biology and molecular
genetics. No previous research experience or science background is required
-- the researchers will provide all necessary equipment and training. The
investigators will also serve as mentors for the participants. These
mentors have been selected on large part by their willingness to teach as
well as their sensitivity to Native American issues to ensure a positive
experience for each participant.
Additionally, the participants will have the opportunity to follow
physicians on rounds, observe surgery, work with pathologists, spend a shift
in the emergency ward, attend seminars and meet Native American medical
students. The participants will also have free time where they can visit
Boston.
At the heart of this program are the close relationships between American
Indian medical students at H.M.S. with the future healers within our
communities -- both urban and rural. This allows for a small program to be
run on a one-to-one basis to meet the unique needs of American Indians.
This is a student initiated program that is supported by the H.M.S./ Native
American Health Organization, H.M.S./Division of Medical Sciences and
individual researchers.
There are no fees for participants. Transportation, lodging and food
allowance will be covered through H.M.S. and National Institutes of Health
grants. There will also be a stipend for each participant. The program
dates are 15 June through 10 August, 1996.
Selection Criteria for this program are not so much high grades and test
scores, but are instead the studentUs motivation, maturity, and willingness
to learn new things. We especially encourage students from smaller, more
rural colleges like local tribal colleges and community colleges to apply.
Last yearUs participants came from a broad range of nations and attended a
variety of schools including Northern Arizona State University, University
of Alberta, Canada, University of North Dakota, and State University of New
York-Stony Brook. Some had prior research experience, others had absolutely
none. Regardless, adult American Indians of all ages and backgrounds are
encouraged to apply.
The NAHO/Four Directions Summer Research Program is an opportunity: It is
not a credit course or MCAT-prep course and there are no grades. The
ProgramUs major principle is this: If given the chance, could this
participant be motivated to pursue medicine and medical research?
The deadline for application is March 15, 1996.
For questions, write to:
Four Directions Summer Research Program Harvard Medical School Division of
Medical Sciences/MEC 260 Longwood Avenue Boston, MA 02115
You may also call or FAX Jenn Meeropol at the H.M.S./Division of Medical
Sciences at (800) 367-9019; FAX: (617) 432-2644.
Call the Harvard Native American Program at (617) 495-4923 for an application.
Or for information or an application (at our homes):
Dan Calac (617) 923-4558
Tom Sequist (617) 432-9066
Patrick Linson (617) 983-2933