Visiting Elective Scholars Program

Cooper University Hospital is a premier academic, tertiary care medical center located in Camden, New Jersey, just across the river from Philadelphia. Cooper is the only Level I trauma center in South Jersey, and a leading regional perinatal center that accepts approximately 250 maternal transports from the surrounding area.

The Cooper Obstetrics and Gynecology Department is committed to promoting diversity within medicine. We feel that this is important to our community and our underserved patient population.

The Cooper Medical School of Rowan University’s Office of Diversity & Community Affairs in collaboration with Cooper University Hospital’s Obstetrics & Gynecology Department invites rising 4th year medical students who are underrepresented in medicine (URIM), to apply for a month long rotation during the months of August-October. Participation does not guarantee a residency spot at Cooper OB-GYN Residency Program.

Expectations

  • Participate in general OB-GYN duties of a rotating sub-internship.
  • Give a 15 minute presentation on a health disparity which affects minority women in obstetrics or gynecology.

Offering

  • 4 week rotation during the following time periods:
    • Block 1  July 29 - August 23, 2024
    • Block 2  August 26 - September 22, 2024
    • Block 3  September 23 – October 18, 2024
    • Block 4  October 21 – November 15, 2021
  • $1,000 scholarship for reimbursement towards travel and living expenses during the rotation
  • Exposure to a diverse female patient population and pathology spanning the southern half of New Jersey and surrounding area.
  • Opportunities to attend workshops hosted by the Cooper Medical School of Rowan University Office of Diversity & Inclusion.
  • Attend all Cooper OB-GYN departmental educational opportunities (didactics, grand rounds, journal club).
  • Each student will be assigned a faculty and resident mentor to provide assistance during the rotation and career guidance.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be a rising 4th year medical student in good academic standing at an accredited allopathic or osteopathic U.S. medical school
  • Self-identify as a member of an underrepresented in medicine group
    • Racial/ethnic minority - Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinos, Native American/Alaskans, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders
    • Those of two or more races when one or more of the races is from the preceding list
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

Application

  • Submission of formal VSAS application to the CMSRU OB-GYN Clerkship and completion of CMSRU Visiting Student Learning Opportunities Program (VSLO) requirements.
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Submission of USMLE STEP I and/or COMLEX I scores
  • One letter of recommendation
  • Supplemental Materials

    • Visiting elective scholars application available here.
    • Please complete ONE of the following questions:
      • What does diversity and inclusion mean to you and how do you embody those qualities?
      • What is the most significant diversity/inclusion activity that you have been involved with during medical school and what role did you play?
      • Describe how you plan to incorporate service to underrepresented minority groups into your residency training and future career as an OB-GYN.

Selection

Scholarships of up to $1,000* for reimbursement for travel and living expenses will be awarded on the basis of:

  • Academic achievement
  • Leadership positions and scholarly activity
  • Special Interest in working with the underserved patient population

*Receipts must be submitted for reimbursement

Deadline

Completed applications must be received by April 26, 2024.
Please send supplemental materials to Sue Mcfadden.

Please contact Dr. Yon Sook Kim or Dr. Kristina Williams with any questions.

Additional Resources

CMSRU Office of Diversity and Outreach

Cooper University Hospital Diversity Committee