Visiting Student Scholarship

Please note: all scholarships have been awarded for 2024-2025 academic year. Applications will reopen in April 2025.

About the Scholarship

The Visiting Elective Scholarship Program (VESP) is a unique opportunity for fourth-year medical students who are focused on improving health equity and are interested in pursuing a career in Orthopedic Surgery.

The UMKC Department of Orthopedic Surgery is committed to recruiting and training a diverse group of orthopedic residents that reflects the diversity of patients we serve.

This program was designed by the UMKC Orthopedic Residency program leadership and its Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) council. Funding is provided through internal funds from both the University Health and Children’s Mercy orthopedic departments and faculty. This scholarship reflects our engagement towards health equity and diversification of the field of orthopedic surgery.

Eligibility

  • Full-time third- and fourth-year medical students who wish to improve health equity or who demonstrate financial hardship.
  • Students who are committed to working with underserved populations, or working with issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion.
  • Requirements for the UMKC School of Medicine Clinical electives must also be met.
  • Students in good standing at an LCME-accredited medical school.

Financial support

  • $1,500 to assist with the cost of travel, fees and living expenses

Application requirements

The application process opens March 15, 2024. Applications are reviewed by members of the JEDI council on a rolling basis and must be received by June 5, 2024. Students interested in applying for the elective should send the following materials to Dasia Talib:

  • A current CV
  • Current photo of applicant
  • 250-word statement of interest describing
    • The applicant’s interest in Orthopedic Surgery
    • Commitment to health equity
    • Description of how this elective will help advance or support their career goals

Selection

This scholarship is awarded on the basis of a holistic review of education, career and life experiences. Those interested in a career in academic surgery and serving underserved populations are encouraged to apply. Applicants not selected for the funded rotation are strongly encouraged to apply for unfunded acting internships and electives at UMKC.

About the Elective

  • Four weeks rotating through an elective experience in Orthopedic Surgery
  • Awarded to third or fourth year students. Priority is given to those applying during the current cycle.
  • Clinical experience will be tailored to the recipients interests, but will include:
    • A rotation at University Health or Children’s Mercy Hospital (four weeks each)
    • Service on the wards, in the operating room and educational conferences

Program goals

  • Provide exposure to the field or Orthopedic Surgery
  • Recruit and retain those interested in health equity to Orthopedic Surgery
  • Provide longitudinal career development and mentorship from the UMKC Orthopedic Surgery faculty and residents.

Career support and development

  • Support from an assigned resident mentor during student orientation
  • Weekly meetings with an assigned faculty mentor
  • One-on-one meetings with
    • Chair of Orthopedic Surgery, UMKC Department of Orthopedics
    • Chair of Orthopedic Surgery, Children’s Mercy Hospital
    • Program Director, UMKC Orthopedic Surgery Residency program

2024 block schedule

  • Block 1: May 27–June 23
  • Block 2: June 24–July 21
  • Block 3: July 22–Aug. 18
  • Block 4: Aug. 19–Sept. 15
  • Block 5: Sept. 16–Oct. 13
  • Block 6: Oct. 14–Nov. 10
  • Block 7: Nov. 11–Dec. 8
  • Block 8: Dec. 9–Jan. 5

For additional details about the elective, go to the Visiting Student Elective page.