OVERVIEW

This M4 elective is for medical students who wish to gain additional exposure to urology or has special interest in VCU prior to the residency application process. The student will be an integral part of the inpatient team, participating in daily rounds and OR cases with residents and faculty. Students will have the opportunity to attend outpatient clinics as well as weekly urology Grand Rounds. At the conclusion of the rotation, students are invited to present a 15-minute evidence-based lecture at Urology Grand Rounds. We also have a hands-on clay modeling exercise that is completed during your time here. The rotation consists of 3 weeks on the adult service and 1 week on the pediatrics service. Exit interviews with faculty are arranged prior to the end of the rotation which serves as the formal residency interview. Students have the additional optional opportunity to collaborate in urologic clinical research.

Applications are processed through the VCU School of Medicine using the VSLO system. 

For more information, please contact our Residency Program Coordinator, Lauren Simonetti, at (804) 828-3039 or Lauren.Simonetti1@vcuhealth.org or the AI director, Dr. Zee at rebecca.zee@vcuhealth.org

We encourage students from under-represented minorities to apply to our Diversity Scholars Program. 

DIVERSITY SCHOLARS PROGRAM

VCU Urology is committed to diversity in the field of urology. We believe that diversity not only strengthens our community but ensures the delivery of the highest quality patient care. We understand that in many surgical fields, especially urology, the disparity is more pronounced. For this reason, we have made it our mission to help increase the number of underrepresented minorities pursuing careers in Urology. Therefore, we are proud to announce our new Diversity Scholars Program, which aims to embrace the principles of diversity and inclusion and offers expanded opportunities for medical students to gain exposure to urology.

• Diversity Scholars will participate as an acting intern in a 4-week clinical elective with VCU Urology during the summer/fall prior to residency application and interview season. 
• Diversity Scholars will receive a $2000 stipend to help cover travel, lodging, and other potential expenses related to the visiting rotation with VCU Urology. 

ELIGIBILITY

Students in their 4^th year of medical school who identify as underrepresented minorities may apply. Applicants must have successfully completed the required core third-year clerkships and have been accepted through our Diversity Scholars selection committee. All information can be sent to Lauren Simonetti at lauren.simonetti1@vcuhealth.org.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

To be considered for the Diversity Scholars Acting Internship at VCU urology, eligible 4th-year medical students must submit the following: 

• Current curriculum vitae (CV), 
• Official medical school transcript
• USMLE STEP 1 Scores
• One letter of recommendation 
• Personal statement (should confirm your background/identification as an underrepresented minority as well as your commitment to diversity in urology, why you want to do a rotation at VCU, and your goals for the rotation, 500 words or less). 

The application deadline is May 1^st_, Applicants will be notified of acceptance by May 15.

ROTATION DETAILS

The Diversity Scholars acting internship at VCU urology is four weeks and is set to begin in August. Specific dates can be tailored to your schedule. Through this experience, you will gain insight into resident life at VCU urology, build lasting relationships with our faculty and residents, and expand your urologic knowledge. Before the end of the rotation, you may request letters of recommendation from our faculty. Other details include:

• Clinical Experience as an Acting Intern with our VCU urology resident team in downtown Richmond, Virginia.
• Weekly informal meetings with mentors, including underrepresented minority members of the surgical and medical school faculty.
• One-on-one meetings with the program director and chair.
• Diversity Scholars will be required to give a 30-minute presentation on a topic in urology after clearance with the clerkship director at the end of the rotation. 

TRAVEL

Part of our scholarship award includes a stipend to offset travel costs. We are also happy to advise and assist with travel logistics if needed.

DEADLINE
The application deadline is May 1^st, Applicants will be notified of acceptance by May 15^th.

CONTACT INFO

For information, questions, or to submit application material, please contact Lauren Simonetti at lauren.simonetti1@vcuhealth.org