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MD Program

Non-Scholarship Opportunities

Travel and Professional Development Support

Office of Medical Student Education Travel Grant

It is very important to the School of Medicine that students have the opportunity to engage in professional development through conferences and meetings. Whether a student is traveling to present or to attend, our goal is to support students in this endeavor to the best of our abilities and resources. Given the high demand for travel assistance, the UNC School of Medicine has established the following policy regarding travel assistance.

  • Students must be actively enrolled
  • Students are eligible to receive travel support once during their time at UNC SOM.
  • A maximum of $500 is available to students who apply and are selected.
  • Students must not have any academic or financial holds to receive travel support.
  • All recipients must complete the “Post Conference Travel Form” within two weeks of return from the conference. This form includes providing a reflection paper, photos of your participation, and final questions related to the travel.

Possible uses:

  • Travel to a conference that you are presenting at, volunteering for, or representing UNC’s School of Medicine
  • International Travel associated with UNC School of Medicine
  • Some professional development opportunities (must be pre-approved)
  • There are other opportunities! If you are unsure, ask by emailing Brandon Woodmancy at Brandon_Woodmancy@med.unc.edu.

Apply for the OMSE Travel Grant here

Requests are reviewed twice a month. Please apply at least 3 weeks before travel.

 

John B. Graham Medical Student Research Society Travel Awards

The JBG Student Research Society offers a travel grant for students who are presenting at a conference.  You can find additional Information here!

Some things to note:

  • They only review applications 4 times a year
  • Students who have not previously received a John B. Graham travel award and are current John B. Graham society members (this includes ALL students who have presented at UNC Student Research Day) are eligible to apply
  • Priority is given to those who request in advance of the conference

 

Graduate and Professional Student Government Travel Awards

The Graduate and Professional Student Government offers travel grants to students who are actively enrolled. You can find additional information here!

 

Requesting a Letter of Recommendation

Students may request a letter of recommendation for a scholarship, internship, fellowship, or similar opportunity from the Office of Medical Student Education. If you would like to request a Letter of Recommendation for an application, please contact the Assistant Director of Scholarships and Awards, Brandon Woodmancy, at Brandon_Woodmancy@med.unc.edu at least 3-4 weeks prior to the due date. Requests will go through a holistic review for professionalism, conduct, academics, and any other factor that the dean’s believe is important for the letter before approval. You will be notified of the decision as soon as one is reached. This is not the process for anything related to MSPE or Residency Applications.

When requesting a letter, please include the following information in your email to Brandon:

  • Due date of application
  • A website or flyer with information on the opportunity (if unable to provide this, a short description of the program/scholarship)
  • An up-to-date CV and resume
  • Acknowledgement that a review will occur before the letter is written

Research

Scott Neil Schwirck Fellowship

The Schwirck Fellowship was established in memory of Scott Neil Schwirck by his family and friends. Scott, a member of the Class of 1993, had an enthusiasm for science that was acknowledged by his receipt of several student research distinctions, including the Holderness Medical Fellowship, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute-National Institutes of Health Research Scholars grant, and membership in the John B. Graham Medical Student Research Society. Scott’s classmates honored his good character by selecting him to receive the William deB. MacNider Award posthumously. The fellowship will recognize students who demonstrate the qualities that Scott possessed: curiosity, intellectual vigor, enthusiasm for science and research, and, above all, a desire to help others.  A prize of $2,500.00 will be awarded to support the research efforts of up to 3 medical students.

Information on this opportunity will be announced in mid- to late- October.

Applications for the Schwirck should contain: 

  1. A detailed description of the proposed research project that outlines the following:
  2. a) the purpose
  3. b) the background and significance
  4. c) the expected beginning and completion dates
  5. d) Please limit this portion to no more than 3 pages double spaced of content
  6. A letter from the research preceptor indicating the preceptor’s support for the research and willingness to assist in arranging the proposed research experience if it is not already begun
  7. A copy of your CV

Please combine all of your application documents into one PDF.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:

  • The recipients of the Scott Neil Schwirck Fellowship for Medical Student Research must complete his or her research before receiving their M.D.
  • Both M.D. and M.D./Ph.D. students may apply
  • Students who have already received a Ph.D. may not apply.
  • Each recipient must submit a written report of their research experience to the review committee as well as other stewardship material as requested. Failure to do so may result in a stop placed on the recipient’s records pending receipt of this report.

If you have questions, feel free to email Assistant Director of Scholarships and Awards at Brandon_Woodmancy@med.unc.edu.