Minnesota Surgical Training in Excellence, Posters, & Presentations (MSTEPP) Scholar Internship Opportunity

Planning your career as a surgeon and looking for meaningful opportunities to round out your studies?

Spend your summer with us!

The Department of Surgery at the University of Minnesota has partnered with Tuskegee University, Norfolk State University and Virginia State University to provide an opportunity for undergraduate students who are interested in medicine with an immersive experience on our Twin Cities campus.

Undergraduates engage in clinical and surgical observation, work on faculty-sponsored projects, and participate in educational seminars from renowned leaders throughout our institution and the Twin Cities community — all while exploring and experiencing the variety of activities Minnesota has to offer. This paid program is open to students who have completed their sophomore or junior year at these institutions and are interested in becoming a surgeon. Our 2025 cohort will start in late spring and run through mid-summer.

Get to know the 2024 Cohort!

View the profiles below.

What's Included?

  • Lodging in Pioneer Hall
  • Small meal stipend
  • Transportation to and from Minnesota
  • Weekly pay stipend
  • Cost of any networking activities
  • Transportation to and from any onsite program-related meetings

Community Connections and Mentorship

MSTEPP

Contacts

Department of Surgery

  • Sherri Novitsky, MMA, MA - Administrative Director | UMN Department of Surgery ([email protected])
  • Jenni Sullivan - Associate Administrative Director | Department of Surgery ([email protected])
  • Dr. Bradley Segura - Associate Professor, Pediatric Surgery | Department of Surgery ([email protected])
  • Sara Pierson - Program Associate | Department of Surgery ([email protected])
  • Stephanie McLean - Project Coordinator | Department of Surgery ([email protected])
MSTEPP

Ready to Apply? Application Requirements:

Applicants will be responsible for uploading all documents, including letters of recommendation | Incomplete applications will not be considered.
 
The application process for 2025 is closed! Applications are being reviewed.
 
1. One-to-two page cover letter, typed and double spaced using 12 pt Times New Roman. In your cover letter you must answer the following questions: 
- Why do you want to participate in this program?
- Have you participated in a similar program before?
- How will this program benefit you?
- Do you have a specific area of interest in the medical field? If so, what is it and why?
2. Resume 
3. Unofficial transcript 
4. Two letters of recommendation
 
Please Note: If selected, participants must be able to commit to attending the entirety of the program as well as comply with all vaccination requirements.

Financial support for the M-STEPP program has been provided by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (award #R25HL17396).