Distinguished Medical Scholar Program

This two year program provides an academic challenge and training in independent analytical thought to promising UNC medical students.

The goal of the Howard Holderness Distinguished Medical Scholars program is to produce thoughtful clinicians and researchers who are capable of in-depth and critical independent analysis of the contemporary medical literature. Whether scholars pursue a career in basic science or clinical research, academic medicine, private practice, health policy, or other areas related to medicine, it is our belief that students trained to practice and enjoy the rigors of scholarly thinking will serve as a resource to others and raise the quality of the efforts of those around them. The Holderness program provides students with an opportunity to pursue an independent project with a faculty mentor and to participate in biweekly seminars that cover a broad range of topical issues in surgery and medicine. From these combined experiences, we believe students will begin the necessary transition from rote recitation to independent thought that characterizes the well educated.

A stipend of $10,000 per semester for a total of $20,000 for the year is disbursed during the Junior Scholar research year is provided to students completing the program. An additional stipend of $1,500 per semester totaling $3,000 for the year is provided during the Senior Scholar year of the program.