Program Overview and Details

PRESTIGE is a two year program designed to prepare students for admission to and success in a top tier medical school.  

In this mentored research and training program, underrepresented students interested in pursuing an MD or MD-PhD degree in biomedical sciences will participate in PRESTIGE experiences and activities throughout the year.

Who Is This Program For?

This program aims to reach underrepresented students which include American Indians and Alaska Natives, African Americans, Latinos/Hispanic and Pacific Islanders, individuals with disabilities, and/or individuals from a disadvantaged background that are pursuing an MD or MD-PhD in a biomedical or behavioral sciences field.

This program is not for students interested in applying to PhD programs or for students who are only exploring the idea of a future career in scientific research. If you are interested in pursuing a PhD degree, please apply to the PIKE-PREP program instead, which is a post-baccalaureate program for future graduate students.

PRESTIGE is a two-year program beginning in June, 2023. However, continued support for the second year will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Important Dates

  • November 1, 2022 - March 30, 2023: Program Application Open
  • December 7th: Early review #1 application deadline
  • February 8th: Early review #2 application deadline
  • March 30, 2023: All applications due
  • June 15, 2023: Program start date

Timeline

YEAR 1, Summer

  • Introductory program activities including a meet and greet with the staff and mentors and a tour of the CU Anschutz medical facilities and research laboratories and facilities.
  • Lab safety training.
  • Development of the Individualized Development Plan (IDP).
  • Partnering with mentors and research laboratories within CU Anschutz.

YEAR 1, Fall/Winter

  • Continue research work with mentors.
  • Participate in journal club meetings, research-specific seminars, workshops, and/or retreats, skill development workshops, and other PRESTIGE activities.
  • Take a biostatistics course.
  • Take optional graduate and/or undergraduate courses needed to enhance the scholar’s medical school application.
  • Attend the CU Anschutz medical school recruitment weekend.

YEAR 1, Spring

  • Attend or present at a national science conference.
  • Take optional graduate and/or undergraduate courses needed to enhance the scholar’s medical school application.
  • Continue work towards meeting IDP goals.
  • Support PRESTIGE with the recruitment of the next class of scholars.
  • Attend the end-of-year celebration.

YEAR 2, Summer, Fall, Winter

  • Continue research work with mentors.
  • Participate in journal club meetings, research-specific seminars, workshops, and/or retreats, skill development workshops, and other PRESTIGE activities.
  • Take optional graduate and/or undergraduate courses needed to enhance the scholar’s medical school application.
  • Prepare medical school program applications with support and guidance from the PRESTIGE team and mentors.
  • Attend the CU Anschutz medical school recruitment weekend.

YEAR 2, Spring

  • Wrap up research projects.
  • Attend or present at a national science conference.
  • Take optional graduate and/or undergraduate courses needed to enhance the scholar’s medical school application.
  • Complete work towards meeting IDP goals.
  • Support PRESTIGE with the recruitment of the next class of scholars.
  • Attend the end-of-year celebration.