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Pathway for underRepresented Students in Medicine (PRISM)

University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School
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The McManus Lab at UMass Chan Medical School (UMass Chan) is pleased to announce the Pathway for underRepresented Students in Medicine (PRISM) program. PRISM introduces undergraduate and post-graduate students from diverse backgrounds to clinical research and healthcare opportunities.

The program is a structured, non-credit, clinical research opportunity sponsored by Dr. David McManus and the Department of Medicine at UMass Chan. This pathway program hopes to engage participants in state-of-the-art clinical research programs.

The fully-funded program requires a commitment of at least two years of employment postgraduation but can accommodate summer and shadowing experiences, too.

PRISM is exclusively established for students who are seeking to apply for medical school. If you are unsure about applying for medical school, please reach out to the prism.research@umassmed.edu email to ask any questions and speak with other pre-med students, physicians, and PRISM alumni who are now in medical school.

PRISM is for students who are on the path to medical school but require additional support during their gap years. Participants of PRISM not only get clinical research exposure through their paid positions, but also receive MCAT tutoring support, application guidance, and expand their professional network. PRISM strengthens prospective medical school applicants by expanding their skillset while working to simultaneously diversify the medical field.

 

Program Goals

  • The program is designed to provide students with in-depth exposure to clinical research methods.
  • To address the current underrepresentation of minorities in medicine and healthcare professions.
  • Selected participants will receive mentoring, guidance, advice, and connections with Principal Investigators (PI), physicians, and researchers at UMass Chan.
  • Participants are eligible to receive a letter of recommendation from PI upon successful completion of the program.
  • Participants will be exposed to and gain patient interaction experience.
  • Participants may be assigned to clinical research projects based on interest and be immersed in cutting-edge clinical research opportunities. 

Eligibility Criteria

  • Must be highly motivated and interested in careers in medicine, healthcare, and biomedical research.
  • Must be willing to commit two years post-graduation to working in the lab.
  • Must be a recent college graduate or have bachelor’s degree.
  • Individuals historically underrepresented in STEM, health science and medicine are strongly encouraged to apply.
  • Individuals first in their family to attend college, are also strongly encourage to apply.

Selection Criteria

  • Application is open to every rising senior/recent college graduate from a diverse background
  • The Program is available to several participants per term (depending on the turnover rate)
  • Screening Process

Documents needed to apply:

  • A current resume
  • Copy of unofficial transcripts from all undergraduate institutions attended
  • A personal statement (1-2 pages describing personal background interest and why you would like to be part of this program)
  • Two (2) letters of recommendation (uploaded by recommenders)

PLEASE apply at this link: Applying


The program accepts applications on a rolling basis, STARTING October 15, 2025. Materials are reviewed as they are received, and interviews and offers​ will be extended if a program spot is available.

For more info: Pathway for underRepresented Students in Medicine (PRISM)