Summer Undergrad Programs

You don't have to be enrolled at UT Southwestern to begin furthering a career in medicine. We offer students exciting opportunities to do research or get involved in the clinical side of medicine during summers of their undergraduate years.     

Undergrad Research Programs

Two research-related programs are offered for undergrads:

  • Summer Undergraduate Medical Research Fellows Program (SUMR)
  • Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program (SURF)

Summer Undergraduate Medical Research Fellows Program (SUMR)

The SUMR program identifies and develops promising student researchers who intend to pursue careers in medicine and research, but who may not pursue formal graduate education (i.e., PhD doctoral training).

Students are placed with mentors to work on specific projects under the supervision of the mentor and fellows in the mentor's laboratory. In addition, students are encouraged to attend a series of weekly luncheon seminars in which faculty and former student researchers discuss the fundamentals of basic and clinical research.

A stipend of $3,000 will be provided for a 10-week fellowship period. The period of the fellowship overlaps with programs supporting medical student research. Students are permitted to take a week off during the 10-week period. Texas residency is required.

Preference will be given to students who have completed course work that would prepare them to conduct laboratory research.

Participants that demonstrate exceptional potential during their participation in this program will be eligible to reapply in subsequent summers.

The on-line application form can be accessed here.

Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program (SURF)

The SURF program at UT Southwestern is an intensive summer research training experience designed for students who are preparing for careers in biological research. Fellows spend 10 weeks pursuing individual research projects in the laboratories of UT Southwestern Graduate School faculty members.

Undergrad Clinical Training

UT Southwestern offers a selection of programs for undergrads interested in the clinical side of medicine. 

For students who want clinical experience, three programs are offered: the Collegiate Fellows Program and the Volunteer Program, both coordinated through the Volunteer Office at Parkland Memorial Hospital (214-590-8827), and the Student Volunteer Program, offered through Children's Medical Center.

  • Parkland Collegiate Fellows Program: A paid summer program for residents of Dallas County and surrounding areas. The program lasts for nine weeks starting in June.
  • Parkland Volunteer Program: Available year-round, it has no applicant restrictions. Student volunteers are scheduled at least three hours once a week on a regular schedule.
  • Children's Student Volunteer Program: Children's Student Volunteer Program is designed to encourage students to provide volunteer support to the hospital, to learn more about health-related career opportunities, and to encourage personal responsibility. The summer program is designed specifically for teens ages 14 through 18 and for qualifying college students.