Diversity in Pediatrics Visiting Student Elective Award

We are committed to training the next generation of pediatricians who will improve care for all patients, especially those who face barriers to care based on finances, location, or other factors. For example, racism impacts medical education and healthcare, leading to worse care and health outcomes for patients of color. The Department of Pediatrics at the University of Minnesota is pleased to offer the Diversity in Pediatrics Visiting Student Elective Award. This award is intended to support students with substantial, demonstrable service and experience serving underserved communities through mentorship, networking, academic exposure outside of their primary institution, and funding.

Contact Us

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. Please contact Molly Wyman, MD ([email protected]) and Alex Behrend ([email protected]).

To Qualify

To Qualify Students Must Be:

  • Currently Enrolled 3rd or 4th Year Medical Students
  • In good academic standing with an LCME or COCA accredited U.S. Institution
  • Applying or strongly considering Pediatric residency or Med/Peds residency
  • Accepted to a visiting elective via VSAS
    • Including meeting pre-requisite requirements per specific elective
  • Substantial record of service and/or experience working with communities of color.  Candidates who belong to historically excluded groups, including Black/African-American, Latinx/Hispanic, Native American, Pacific Islander, Native Hawaiian, Filipino, Hmong, Vietnamese, and/or mainland Puerto Rican are encouraged to apply.
  • This rotation is open to all, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, national origin, or other protected characteristics.
Eligible Electives

Please see below for a list of eligible electives. Participants must meet specific prerequisite requirements for a given elective.

  • PED 7534 - Peds Cardiology
  • PED 7535 - Peds Infectious Diseases
  • PED 7536 - Peds Heme/Onc and BMT
  • PED 7537 - Peds Endocrinology & Metabolism
  • PED 7538 - Peds Gastroenterology & Nutrition
  • PED 7543 - Peds Nephrology
  • PED 7544 - Peds Pulmonary Disease
  • PED 7548 - Clinical Genetics
Award Benefits
  • Mentorship and Networking
    • Meet with the Vice Chair of Education in Pediatrics and Program Director, Emily Borman-Shoap, MD
    • Meet with the Director of Medical Student Education in Pediatrics, Molly F Wyman, MD
    • Meet with Trainee Diversity Council Faculty Mentor
    • Work with residents and faculty throughout the department
  • Practice Residency Interview with Feedback (optional)
  • Guaranteed Pediatrics Residency Interview Opportunity at the University of Minnesota
  • $2,500 stipend to be used for transportation, housing, meals, unforeseen expenses, and upcoming application costs
To Apply

Step 1: Complete initial application through the AAMC Visiting Student Learning Opportunities Page (AKA/PKA VSAS).

Step 2: When an elective(s) application is submitted through VSLO/VSAS follow up with full application including:

  • Background information
  • Brief Statement of Interest (250 word limit)
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae (collected via VSLO/VSAS)

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. Please contact Molly Wyman, MD ([email protected]) and Alex Behrend ([email protected])