All scholarships have been awarded for 2024-2025 academic year. Applications will reopen in April 2025.
Visiting Elective Scholarship Program For URM Students
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.
About the Elective
- Four (4) weeks rotating through an elective experience in Orthopedic Surgery
- Awarded to 3rd or 4th year students – priority given to those applying during the current cycle
- Detailed descriptions of the UMKC visiting student elective can be found here.
- Program goals:
- Provide exposure to the field or Orthopedic Surgery
- Recruit and retain those interest in health equity to Orthopedic Surgery
- Provide longitudinal career development and mentorship from the UMKC Orthopedic Surgery faculty and residents.
- Financial support:
- $1,500 to assist with the cost of travel, fees and living expenses
- Clinical experience will be tailored to the recipients interests but will include:
- Rotation at University Health OR Children’s Mercy Hospital (4 weeks each)
- Service on the wards, in the operating room, and educational conferences
- Career support and development:
- Faculty mentor assignment with whom you will meet with weekly.
- Resident mentor assignment to assist with student orientation.
- 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 Dates
| Block | Start | End |
| 1 | 5/27/2024 | 6/23/2024 |
| 2 | 6/24/2024 | 7/21/2024 |
| 3 | 7/22/2024 | 8/18/2024 |
| 4 | 8/19/2024 | 9/15/2024 |
| 5 | 9/16/2024 | 10/13/2024 |
| 6 | 10/14/2024 | 11/10/2024 |
| 7 | 11/11/2024 | 12/8/2024 |
| 8 | 12/9/2024 | 1/5/2025 |
Eligibility
- Full-time 3rd or 4th 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.
Application
- Application process will open March 15th, 2024
- Students interested in applying for the elective should send a current CV along with a 250-word statement of interest describing the applicant’s interest in Orthopedic Surgery, commitment to health equity and how this elective will help advance or support the applicant’s career goals.
- Photo
- Send application to: dasia.talib@uhkc.org
- Applications are reviewed by members of the JEDI council on a rolling basis and must be received by June 5th, 2024.
Selection
- 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.
- Those applicants not selected for the funded rotation are strongly encouraged to apply for unfunded acting internships and electives at UMKC.