Skip to main content
MD Program

Student Opportunities

At the UNC School of Medicine, students are encouraged to enrich their education by pursuing experiences beyond the core curriculum. Through programs in research, service, and global health, students can develop new skills, broaden their perspectives, and deepen their commitment to meaningful, patient-centered work.

Many of these opportunities occur outside the standard academic calendar and may require full-time participation or travel away from Chapel Hill. The summer between the first and second years of medical school is an ideal time to explore short-term experiences. For more extended opportunities, such as year-long research or service programs, students may request a leave of absence following the third year. Some programs may also fulfill fourth-year elective credit requirements.

Explore the categories below to learn more about available programs and how they align with your interests and goals.

Community Engagement and Service Learning

UNC medical students maintain a strong commitment to community service through programs that span rural, urban, and global communities. The School of Medicine offers several structured service-learning opportunities that combine hands-on experience with meaningful impact. These programs help students become more empathetic and effective physicians by engaging directly with communities and populations often underserved by the healthcare system.

Examples of service and community-based learning opportunities include:

Service Learning Opportunities

Students can also engage with the Office of Global Health Education to address health challenges across international settings. UNC integrates service learning into required and elective coursework, helping students understand healthcare systems within the context of social drivers of health.

Global Health Experiences

Global health opportunities offered through the Office of Global Health Education (OGHE) provide immersive, on-the-ground learning in healthcare systems around the United States and the world. Through clinical rotations, research, and service initiatives, students confront global health challenges such as health disparities, resource limitations, and cultural barriers to care.

These experiences cultivate essential skills in cross-cultural communication, ethical engagement, and global professionalism. In addition to fostering a broader understanding of healthcare systems, global health work enhances students’ ability to navigate diverse clinical environments and contributes meaningfully to their growth as thoughtful, adaptable physicians.

Office of Global Health Education

Research Opportunities

Research is a cornerstone of medical advancement—and a defining strength of UNC’s medical education. Whether your interests lie in basic science, clinical research, or health services and outcomes, the School of Medicine offers a range of pathways to engage with cutting-edge investigations under the mentorship of experienced faculty.

Participating in research helps sharpen problem-solving and critical thinking skills, while also strengthening residency applications. Many students find that research opportunities help them identify long-term academic or clinical interests—and can even lead to scholarly presentations or publications.

  • Over the summer between MS1 and MS2 (e.g., Office of Medical Student Research)
  • As part of longitudinal or fourth-year electives
  • Through year-long research programs with approval for a leave of absence

Office of Medical Student Research

Planning and Support

UNC School of Medicine offers advising and administrative support to help students navigate these opportunities. For detailed information on application processes, timelines, and funding, email OSAGeneral@med.unc.edu with details about the program(s) in which you are interested.

Whether it’s local service, global immersion, or rigorous research, UNC provides the resources and mentorship to support your growth as a physician, leader, and lifelong learner.