Visiting Student Diversity Scholarship

Visiting Student Diversity Scholarship

The Sidney Kimmel Medical College has built an unparalleled reputation for reimagining the way we educate tomorrow’s healthcare leaders.

The Visiting Student Diversity Scholarship supports 4th year medical students from other medical colleges who wish to complete a psychiatry elective within Jefferson’s Department of Psychiatry.

We acknowledge the importance of a diverse community and inclusive environment and encourage fourth-year medical students to apply to explore an interest in psychiatry.

Application Deadline

March 30, 2024. Decisions will be made on a rolling basis.

The Visiting Student will spend four weeks on the Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Service at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pa. The Consultation-Liaison service serves the general hospital to help diagnose and treat the psychiatric illnesses that complicate and result from serious medical and surgical problems. The Consultation-Liaison service also provides care to patients hospitalized for medical conditions that have co-morbid psychiatric illness.

During this elective the student will (1) develop skill in the evaluation and treatment of psychiatric illness in the medical setting, (2) develop an appreciation for the interface between psychological/social factors and medical illness, and (3) learn about the variety of consultation services provided by a psychiatrist in the general hospital. The student will function as an integral clinical member of the Consultation-Liaison Service. The student is responsible for performing initial consultations and follow-up as indicated. Because the Consultation-Liaison service receives requests for consults from virtually all clinical services at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, the student will have the opportunity to gain experience with the management of a wide range of clinical issues. The student will be supervised by the attendings and residents/fellows assigned.

Rotation Dates

(participating medical students must rotate during one these dates)

  • 08/05/2024 - 09/01/2024
  • 09/02/2024 - 09/29/2024
  • 09/30/2024 - 10/27/2024
  • 10/28/2024 - 11/24/2024
  • 11/25/2024 - 12/22/2024

Participating medical students will receive:

  • $1,000 stipend for all students. Up to $1,000 additional reimbursement for travel/housing upon successful completion of the elective.
  • Faculty and resident mentorship
  • Opportunities to interact with residents/fellows and faculty in the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior
  • Exposure to educational activities including Psychiatry Grand Rounds and weekly psychiatry residency didactics.

All eligible students are encouraged to apply, including students who are underrepresented in medicine (as defined by AAMC and/or HRSA).

Applicants must be a fourth year medical student in good academic standing at an LCME accredited medical school, and have completed all required core clerkships.

Application Process

To apply, submit the following in one PDF document to Jaynie.Estrada@jefferson.edu, Medical Education Manager:

  1. Current curriculum vitae (CV)
  2. Current Photo
  3. Essay - Please share the values and life experiences that inform your commitment to diversity in our healthcare workforce. (no more than 800 words)
  4. Brief letter of support from a psychiatry faculty member

If accepted, you must submit a formal visiting clerkship application on VSAS and have all institutional requirements met.


Office of Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives (ODII) at Sidney Kimmel Medical College supports an institutional framework that acknowledges the importance of a diverse community and an inclusive environment. ODII promotes initiatives and programs that increase awareness, understanding and sensitivity to the needs of all individuals regardless of age, class, physical ability, gender, gender identity, race, religion and sexual orientation.