The Summer Medical and Dental Education Program that provides students with a unique learning experience. Otherwise known as SMDEP, the free program provides students with tuition, housing and meals for six weeks during the summer. The academic enrichment program is reserved for freshman and sophomore college students that are interested in pursuing a career in medicine and/or dentistry.
About the Summer Medical and Dental Education Program
Most days during the Summer Medical and Dental Education Program begin with early lectures. These lectures are generally centered on chemistry, physics, anatomy and microbiology. These lectures are designed to refresh knowledge and prepare you for the MCAT or DAT exams.
Following a lunch break, students will spend roughly five hours a day in workshops focused on a variety of subjects, including health care policies, financial planning, and cultural competency. There are also instances during this time frame where students will shadow doctors and/or dentists from nearby health care facilities.
After 5:00 p.m., students are given the opportunity to spend time with one another or just enjoy downtime in town.
The SMDEP Experience
The SMDEP can provide students with valuable experience on a number of levels. Specialized lectures can give you a better understanding of certain fields and help you determine which area of medicine/dentistry you would like to pursue. The program also helps simulate the medical school experience in so far as the schedule and level of intensity. You will also get the opportunity to spend time with like-minded students, which allows you to share experiences, discuss future plans and swap information.
All students interested in the Summer Medical and Dental Education program should apply as soon as they are able to do so. Spots in the program fill up fast and only a set number of students can participate each year.
Locations for the SMEDP have previously included Houston, Yale, Nebraska, Duke and Louisville.