Summer Student Pre-Med & Research Program

10-Week Transformative Experience

The Summer Student Pre-Med & Research Program at Hartford Hospital offers a unique clinical research opportunity for third year college students pursuing careers in medicine. The program provides students with an introduction to research methodology, patient care, and medical ethics as well as exposure to a broad spectrum of healthcare providers within a large community teaching hospital.

Selected students will take part in a 10-week program starting on June 8, 2026 and ending on August 15, 2026. Students will be hired as a Hartford Hospital employee (colleague) and will receive a total stipend of $4000 for their participation. Parking is also available for all students during the duration of the program. Students will be responsible for their own meals, travel, and other incidental expenses related to their participation in the program.

Please note that as a condition of employment, all Hartford HealthCare colleagues must submit proof of vaccination that includes, but is not limited to, the following requirements:

COVID-19 vaccination(s)/booster(s)
Influenza vaccination
Requests for medical or religious exemptions may be submitted through Colleague Health Services.

Program Components

Research Experience

Research projects are conducted under the supervision of senior investigators with full-time roles as clinicians and/or researchers throughout Hartford Hospital. Students are paired with a senior investigator who will provide guidance throughout the duration of their investigations.

Assignments are based on student interests and availability of projects at the time the program starts. The program cannot be assured that students will be assigned to the laboratories of their first choice, but every attempt will be made to match their specific interests. Once selections are finalized, the student will meet with their senior investigator to develop a research protocol.

Students will present their findings at a poster session at the conclusion of the program, providing valuable experience in scientific communication and the opportunity to showcase their research contributions.

Clinical Exposure

The program offers extensive clinical exposure opportunities including:

OR Shadowing Opportunities: Observe surgical procedures and gain insight into perioperative care
Patient Care Observations: Direct observation of patient interactions and healthcare team dynamics
Healthcare Team Interactions: Learn about interdisciplinary collaboration in patient care

Career Preparation

Students benefit from comprehensive career preparation activities:

Expert Guest Speakers: Learn from leading healthcare professionals and researchers
Medical School Tours: Visit UConn School of Medicine and Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine
Career Pathway Exploration: Discover various medical specialties and career options
Networking Opportunities: Build professional relationships with mentors and peers
Mentorship Relationships: Develop lasting connections with healthcare professionals

Student-Led Seminars

Students participate in peer-led educational seminars throughout the program, presenting on various topics related to healthcare, research methodology, and professional development. These sessions provide valuable presentation experience and foster collaborative learning among program participants.

What You'll Gain

This transformative experience will provide you with:

Research Publication Potential: Contribute to meaningful clinical research with potential for publication
Competitive Advantage: Significantly strengthen your healthcare professional school applications with substantial clinical research experience
Advanced Research Skills: Master clinical research methodology and data collection techniques
Professional References: Develop relationships with respected clinicians and researchers who can support your career
Specialty Clarity: Gain clear insight into various medical specialties to inform your career decisions
Real-World Experience: Work within a major teaching hospital environment alongside healthcare teams
Scientific Communication: Develop presentation and research communication skills through poster sessions
Healthcare Network: Build a professional network within the medical community

Who Should Apply

Pre-health college student completing their junior year by May 2026
Have a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher
Participates in leadership/service activities at school and/or in the community
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Past research experience is not required

Application Process

We will be accepting complete applications for the 2026 cohort from December 1, 2025 to January 31, 2026. Completed applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and will not be marked complete unless all application requirements are met.

Application Requirements:

Application Form
Statement of Interest (250-500 words): Explain your motivation to apply for this program. How does this relate to your current and future career path? What experiences, courses, or work have inspired your interests in healthcare careers?
2x2 passport type digital photo (JPG or JPEG only)
Official Undergraduate School Transcript
Two Letters of Recommendation (It is recommended that you ask academic faculty, researchers, professors, or mentors to write letters on your behalf)

Application submission details and instructions will be provided when applications open on December 1, 2025.

Selection Process

Qualified candidates selected for an interview will be invited via email and will be asked to provide their availability. Once availability has been received, an interview will be scheduled in February 2026 and will be conducted via Zoom.

Decision letters will be sent via email March 1, 2026. If accepted into the program, you will be offered a review period before making a final decision.

Ready to Transform Your Future?

Follow Hartford HealthCare Research on LinkedIn for program updates and application announcements: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/hartford-healthcare-research/

Generously funded by the Hartford Hospital Medical Staff