Summer Medical and Dental Education Program (SMDEP) is a FREE (full tuition, housing, and meals) six-week summer academic enrichment program that offers freshman and sophomore college students intensive and personalized medical and dental school preparation. More >>

Program Offerings Include: Academic enrichment in the basic sciences (organic chemistry, physics, biology) and pre-calculus/calculus Career development Learning-skills seminar Limited clinical exposure A financial-planning workshop

Program Sites: Case Western Reserve University Columbia University Duke University Howard University University of California-Los Angeles UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical and New Jersey Dental University of Louisville University of Nebraska University of Virginia University of Washington University of Texas-Houston Yale University

"The seminars and the clinical shadowing experience were legit. I learned about myself and about medicine. I had the opportunity to get close with several administrators and make great contacts. The enrichment courses were so worth it....These enrichment classes would pay off dividends when I took the classes during the fall and the MCAT. This past May I applied for medical school and I received interviews at every medical school I applied to and was accepted. I attribute most—if not all—of my success to SMDEP. The inspiration, motivation, and the lifelong friends I garnered pushed me to the next level. I could not be as successful without SMDEP. Even if you find out medicine is not for you during the program, it is not an opportunity to pass up."

—Nelvin Acevedo Valle, SMDEP Case Western Reserve University (SMDEP 2010)

"My most profound clinical experience took place while making rounds with an emergency room physician. I was introduced to the hectic yet fulfilling atmosphere behind the scenes of a hospital emergency room. This clinical rotation fostered an environment that humbled me to the idea of becoming a physician. I witnessed the dedication and selfless acts of practicing physicians as they frantically worked to save lives."

—Netosha Kenneson, Duke University (SMDEP 2011)

"Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to participate in SMDEP at UMDNJ. It was a wonderful and unforgettable experience, that I will remember for a life time. Although the course work was challenging, it was rewarding to be introduced to new material before the semester begins. I now know that for courses, such as organic chemistry....It was amazing to get to know different people from various parts of the country. I established many friendships that will last for years to come."

—Derek Lamont Darby Jr., UMNDJ - Newark (SMDEP 2012)

Alumni News
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Educational Resources
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SMDEP National Alumni Advisory Board
The SMDEP national alumni advisory board advises the National Program Office (NPO) on enhancing alumni engagement, identifying opportunities to reach the program's target population, and overall program activities.

SMDEP Alumni Events
Access the presentations from sessions on topics that discussed Health Care Disparities and Policy, Financial Planning, and Career Development.

SMDEP Ambassadors
SMDEP Ambassadors are past participants who volunteer to recruit eligible SMDEP applicants to the program. All program alumni are encouraged to become Ambassadors!

SMDEP Multimedia
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