Are you interested in making a significant impact in healthcare and serving communities in need? The MedServe Fellowship offers a unique opportunity to gain invaluable experience in community health while exploring a potential career in medicine. To ensure a diverse and dedicated cohort of Fellows, MedServe has a comprehensive application process. This guide outlines the key components of the MedServe Fellowship application to help you prepare a strong submission. Please note that demographic information is collected solely to assess our recruitment efforts and ensure equal access to the fellowship and is not used in the evaluation of your application.
Key Application Components for the MedServe Fellowship
The MedServe Fellowship application is designed to provide a holistic view of each candidate, considering experiences, motivations, and commitment to service. Here’s a breakdown of the essential parts of your application:
Extracurricular and Work/Internship Experiences
MedServe wants to understand your significant experiences beyond academics. You’ll be asked to describe your top 3 extracurricular activities or meaningful work/internship experiences in approximately 250 words each. These experiences don’t necessarily need to be healthcare-related. Focus on experiences where you dedicated substantial time, made a meaningful contribution, or were personally impacted. Highlight your roles, responsibilities, and what you learned from these experiences.
Essays: Delving Deeper into Your Aspirations
The essay section provides an opportunity to showcase your personality, motivations, and critical thinking skills. You will need to complete four essays, each limited to 500 words:
- Proudest Achievement/Significant Contribution: Describe an achievement you are particularly proud of or a time when you built something or made a significant contribution. This essay allows you to demonstrate your capabilities and highlight your impact.
- Why MedServe Fellowship? Explain your reasons for wanting to participate in the MedServe Fellowship. What specifically attracts you to this program, and how do you believe it aligns with your goals? This is your chance to show your understanding of MedServe and your genuine interest in its mission.
- Healthcare Professional Aspirations: Articulate your potential interest in becoming a healthcare professional. Discuss what you believe is the most important role of a healthcare professional and why you are drawn to that role. This essay explores your understanding of healthcare and your motivations for potentially pursuing this path.
- Meaningful Service Experience: Share a meaningful service experience, a time you connected with someone different from you, or an instance where you helped solve a social or community problem. This essay highlights your commitment to service and your ability to engage with diverse communities, core values of the MedServe Fellowship.
Resume: Your Professional Snapshot
A current resume in PDF format is required. This document should provide a concise overview of your education, work experience, extracurricular activities, skills, and honors. Ensure your resume is well-organized, easy to read, and highlights experiences relevant to the MedServe Fellowship, even if not directly healthcare related.
Transcripts: Academic Record
You must upload a PDF of your university transcript, official or unofficial, including your cumulative GPA. If you have completed graduate coursework or post-baccalaureate studies, include those transcripts as well. Transcripts provide an overview of your academic performance.
Professional Photo: For Identification
A professional photo is required. This photo serves practical purposes, helping clinic staff identify candidates during potential visits and for use in promotional materials. A headshot with a professional and approachable demeanor is suitable.
Letters of Recommendation: Supporting Testimonials
Two letters of recommendation are mandatory to complete your application. It is strongly recommended that at least one letter comes from someone in the healthcare field or a health-related profession. The second letter should ideally be from a professional or extracurricular reference, rather than an academic professor. Recommendations are due by the application deadline. You may submit an optional third recommendation if you wish to further strengthen your application. Ensure your recommenders understand the MedServe Fellowship and can speak to your qualities relevant to the program.
By carefully preparing each component of your application, you can effectively showcase your qualifications and increase your chances of being selected for the MedServe Fellowship, a program dedicated to service and fostering future healthcare leaders.
