The University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (URSMD) is committed to enhancing the preparation of candidates for careers in the health professions, research and the biomedical sciences who have a demonstrated vision and commitment to improving the health status of diverse patient populations via patient care, research and/or teaching.

As a part of institutional commitment to support the AAMC’s efforts to increase diversity in medicine, the URSMD supports the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program. SURF is a ten-week academic program designed to strengthen the science, clinical, and research skills of selected college students to enhance their competitiveness for careers in medicine and the biomedical sciences. SURF participants are selected from a national pool of candidates who have a demonstrated vision and commitment to improving the health status of diverse patient populations via patient care, research and/or teaching.

Program participants conduct focused research in a medical center laboratory under the mentorship of faculty. The program includes seminars and activities, which allow for formal and informal discussions. Students are also exposed to weekly lectures/seminars, gross anatomy lectures and labs, clinical rotations in the Emergency Department, Problem-Based Learning sessions to enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, MCAT review/testing and mock interviews. Participants receive a stipend and housing is included during this ten-week period.