Aliabadi-Kazim Scholars Program
Purpose | Apply
The aim of the Aliabadi-Kazim Scholars Program (AKSP) is to provide early exposure to urology for students from programs without a urology residency, particullary those underrepresented in urology. The program will provide clinical experiences as well as coaching on applications and interview skills to help participants become competitive urology residency applicants.
The program will invite up to eight first or second-year medical student-scholars to the University of Minnesota Medical School campus for one week in May 2024. Preference will be given to those from programs without urology residencies. Scholars will be provided clinical experiences in the operating room and clinic, exposure to ongoing research in the department, and a series of professional development activities geared toward making the Aliabadi-Kazim Scholars (AKSs) strong applicants for the competitive match in urology. In addition, scholars will participate in a series of community-building social events aimed at exposing scholars to life at the University of Minnesota and in the Twin Cities.
As part of a broader commitment to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in the field of urology, the AKSP is open to all students interested in exploring a career in urology; those students underrepresented in urology are strongly encouraged to apply.
Application Process & Requirements
Application Process:
Our application process is open from Oct. 16, 2023 - Jan. 14, 2024 for the upcoming summer. Selected candidates will be notified by Feb. 5, 2024. Please apply using the following link above.
Requirements:
Applicants will be responsible for uploading all documents
- Cover Letter - please address the following questions
- How will this program benefit you or what do you hope to gain from this program?
- Do you have a specific areas of interest in Urology? If so, what is it and why?
- CV
- Unofficial Transcript
- Complete Online Application Linked Below
Clinical Experience
Scholars will spend time in both the clinic and in the operating room with a variety of faculty members gaining exposure to the breadth of subspecialties in urology. Scholars will function as observers.
Research Experience
Scholars will be exposed to ongoing research at the University Of Minnesota Department Of Urology. This will include talks by our basic scientists and tours of their laboratories. Scholars will also gain exposure to the clinical research being carried out by our clinicians. While it is understood that one week of exposure is too short for scholars to engage in research projects, it is hoped that scholars may be able to identify projects that they may become involved in going forward, helping them gain valuable research experience while also keeping them engaged and deepening their connection to the University of Minnesota.
Professional Development
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Scholars will be provided information regarding the application and match process for urology
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Scholars will be provided individual coaching regarding their CV and discussion of opportunities for activities to improve their applications. Scholars will be given time to format their CVs into professional formats
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Scholars will be provided information and the opportunity to practice interview skills including virtual and in-person formats
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Scholars will be provided suggestions and feedback on writing personal statements for their applications
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Scholars will be provided suggestions, opportunities to practice, and feedback giving scientific talks
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Scholars will receive training in evidence based medicine
Social Events
Scholars will be provided opportunities to interact with University of Minnesota Medical School students, graduate students and residents from diverse backgrounds to learn about what life is like here.
Scholars will have the option to participate in various social events such as dinners, trips to the Mall of America, museum tours, and sporting events.
Meet our 2022 AKSP Scholars
Jonathan Balcazar
Medical School: Texas Christian University
"Thank you for this opportunity. I want to continue to build relationships with the faculty and maintain them while building a stronger sense of community with people wanting to apply to uro."
Nana Frimpong
Medical School: Drexel University College of Medicine
"The OR and clinic shadowing was vital especially getting a flavor of all the subspecialties"
Valencia Henry
Medical School: Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine
"Shadowing in the OR was a highlight for me as well as the social events that we got to socialize with the faculty and research. It allowed me to see the family oriented aspect of the program in addition to getting to know the faculty better."
Bethaney Jackson
Medical School: University of South Alabama
"The wide variety of urologist and specialists. I got to see lots of surgeries. I liked how this broadened my view of urology."
Morgan Marshall
Medical School: Central Michigan University
"The exposure to different urological services, the opportunity to talk with residence and faculty about the program and urology broadly, going through the match process."
Arslan Mohamed
Medical School: CUNY Medical School
"All of the exposure to the field of urology, especially in the OR. This program provided us with such great opportunities."
Mathew Thomas
Medical School: University of Nevada, Reno
"I saw procedures and had the opportunity to interact with staff in a way I will never be able to at my home program."
Meet our 2023 AKSP Scholars
Aline Hoang
Drexel University
Ibaad Khan
Morehouse SOM
Fiona Whitaker
East Tennessee State University
Jameshisa Alexander
Morehouse SOM
Petr Gaburak
Washington State University
Talmadge Gaither
Drexel University
Bebe Eke
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Jasmin Banton
New York Institute of Technology
Questions
If you have any questions specific to the program or regarding the application process, please contact Jasmine Jackson via email at jacks589@umn.edu
Aliabadi-Kazim Scholars Program in AUA News
AUA News recently recognized the department’s Aliabadi-Kazim Scholars Program’s success in an article written by past participants of the program. It was cited as an example of much-needed initiatives to support students without home urology programs and to promote diversity and inclusivity in urology. The article also outlined the program’s success in igniting students’ passion for urology and providing them with an in-depth understanding of the field.
Read the full article at The Aliabadi-Kazim Scholars Program: A Model for Supporting Students Without a Home Urology Program
Aliabadi-Kazim Scholar Updates
Arslan Mohamed, one of AKSP's alum, participated in CSOM Research Day on November 16, 2022 where he presented on a project he is currently working on with Dr. Nissrine Nakib and Dr. Dwight Nelson on sacral neuromodulation.