MUSC Children’s Research Summer Fellowship

You’re invited to apply for a summer program scholarship at the Darby Children’s Research Institute at MUSC!

Details: The primary objective of The John Covington and Robert Lukey Scholarship is to provide funding for undergraduate trainees to gain exposure to a clinical and basic science pediatric research environment at MUSC at a nationally ranked academic medical center that will advance their career aspirations.

Great Fit For: Students with science majors considering a future in graduate school (MD, PhD), with the possibility in pediatrics.

Benefits: $5,000 summer stipend (with the option of housing).

To Apply: Check out the application details below. The deadline to apply is December 16th.

For more information, click this link or email Jasmine Ballentine at ballentj@musc.edu.

OVERVIEW

The Darby Children's Research Institute (DCRI) is the research arm of the Department of Pediatrics and the Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital at the Medical University of South Carolina. The DCRI is comprised of basic and physician scientists working together with a common goal to perform impactful science that can be translated for the wellness of children’s health. The DCRI is composed of state-of-the-art laboratories with faculty, post-doctoral researchers, and graduate students spanning multiple disciplines in childhood health and disease.

The primary objective of The John Covington and Robert Lukey Scholarship is to provide funding for trainees to gain exposure to a clinical and basic science pediatric research environment in a nationally ranked academic medical center that will advance their career aspirations.

Information on the DCRI and areas of research can be found at the following link: https://dcri.musc.edu.

KEY DATES

  • Applications due: December 16, 2024, at 5:00 pm EST
  • Applicants will be notified of awards: January 7, 2025
  • Award Period: June 1, 2025 – July 31, 2025

APPLICATION FORM AND DOCUMENTS

Document Specifications

  • Font Type and Size: Arial, 11pt.
  • Page Margins: No less than 0.5” on all sides
  • Document Type: Single PDF file

Required Documents/Files

  • Cover letter – Include what peeks your interests in pediatric research either basic or clinical. Do you have a particular area of interest? Are you interested in a particular DCRI researcher from the information provided on the DCRI website or publications? (1 page)
  • Personal and Scientific Background (1-2 pages) – Please describe your educational background in science, why you would like to take advantage of this opportunity, and how this would enhance or further your career goals?
  • Resume or CV
  • Letter of Recommendation (1 letter minimum)

SUBMISSION PROCESS

  • Combine all documents into a single PDF file
  • Email to Jasmine Ballentine (ballentj@musc.edu), Subject Line: "DCRI Summer Fellowship Program"

AWARD AMOUNT

  • $5,000 stipend

QUESTIONS

Join a Health Care Mentorship Program Hosted by MUSC’s College of Health Professions!

The MUSC College of Health Professions Health Professions Exploration Program (HPEP) is now accepting applications for the 2025 program!

The Opportunity: The HPEP is a career exposure and mentoring program for students interested in the health professions. The purpose of the program is to provide opportunities for students to learn more about the health professions, tour MUSC’s state-of-the-art healthcare facilities, gain information that will assist with preparation to graduate healthcare programs, and engage in activities that support career planning and professional development.

Great Fit For: All undergraduate students with an interest in the allied health professions (Physician Assistant Studies, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology, Health Administration, Cardiovascular Perfusion, and more!)

Details: Participation in the program is free and lunch and parking waivers are provided to all participating students at each session.

To ApplyClick this link to apply for the program! Applications close October 30th.

For more information, head to the application link or check out the provided flyer.

FoodShare Moncks Corner: Public Health AmeriCorps Opportunity

FoodShare in Monck’s Corner through Trident United Way has an opportunity for students or recent graduates to expand food and nutrition services available in the Tri-County Area.

The Opportunity: The PHA Service Member, under the supervision of Trident United Way’s FoodShare Berkeley program, will provide assistance and support to the FoodShare Berkeley Hub to expand food and nutrition security strategies to community members in underserved areas across the county. The Service Member will primarily focus on the distribution and promotion of the Fresh Food Box in the community.

Benefits: Benefits for Service Members include a stipend/living allowance, real-world experience in the public health field, tailored mentorship/coaching, opportunities to network with the PHA community, and eligibility for a Segal Education Award upon completion of service. Service may be used to fulfill practicum or applied experience requirements.

To Apply: Fill out the NACDD Public Health AmeriCorps Application and select SC-II for the service opportunity you are applying for.

For more information click this link or send an email to Madison James at mjames@tuw.org.

Faculty Lecture Series: Drug Discovery in Action

You’re invited to join Tim Barker, associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry, for a Faculty Lecture Series titled Drug Discovery in Action: Preparing New Molecules with a Purpose.

When & Where: This event will be…

  • On Wednesday, September 18th, from 12:00 – 12:50 p.m.
  • In Addlestone Library, Room 127

Details: Enjoy a discussion on how organic chemists pursue new drug discoveries and the synthesis of new organic molecules and learn about chemical synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and interpreting the organic hieroglyphics that are used to describe molecules. Dr. Barker will also explain how his lab has been developing inhibitors aimed at new treatments for depression and related medical conditions.

This event is free and open to all! Lunch will be provided. Click this link to learn more or add the event to your calendar.

Attend the 2024 NeuroIMPACT Conference on May 2nd!

The annual NeuroIMPACT Conference will be held in Charleston on May 2, 2024! This year’s theme is AI in Neuroscience: Transforming Care, Education and Collaboration. Attendees can enjoy talks and panel discussions with colleagues from other South Carolina institutions (MUSC, Clemson, USC, etc) as well as Harvard, Univ of Buffalo, George Washington, Emory, and many others.

Highlights Include:

  • Three parallel sessions covering how AI will transform care of clinical neuroscience patients, education in clinical neuroscience, and collaborations between academia, business and nonprofit entities.
  • A job fair for our trainees attended by academic institutions, Fortune 500 companies, and recruiting agencies.
  • Vendors in the AI space will be present throughout campus to allow attendees to sample technologies from VR, AR, robotics and others.
  • Community members at large, including clinical providers of all neuro-specialties, will be invited to attend. CME will be offered.

Event Schedule: The conference will be on Thursday, May 2nd, with breakfast starting at 7:30 a.m. and the day ending by 4:30 p.m. A full agenda can be found here.

To Attend: Scan the QR code on the flyer or click this link to register. The conference is free for all attendees!

Click here for more information about the conference.

Attend Lab to Leaders and Learn How Research Gets Done at MUSC

SC-PEAR (Policy, Engagement, Advocacy, and Research) is hosting a poster symposium for MUSC students to present their research, and CofC students are invited to attend!

Benefits:

  • Gain insight into what MUSC students are researching and how they go about doing it
  • Mingle with MUSC students and professors
  • Learn about significant issues in the health and science communities

When & Where: The event will be…

  • On Friday, April 19th, from 2:00-4:30 p.m.
  • In the MUSC Bioengineering Building Lobby (68 President St)

For more information, check out the provided flyer or email either co-director of SC-PEAR at martinom@musc.edu or corker@musc.edu.

Healthy Tri-County Relaunch Event

Join Trident United Way as they convene to discuss our 2024 agenda, participate in a data walk with DHEC and commit to improving health outcomes in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties. The joint effort of Healthy Tri-County will have a direct, positive impact on our Tri-County community.

Opportunity: This event is a great chance to network with key health partners in the area, including MUSC, Roper, Trident Health, United Way, and more!

Great Chance For: Upperclassmen majoring in or interested in public health, pre-allied health, exercise science, nutrition, and/or urban studies.

When & Where: The event will be…

  • On Friday, April 26th, from 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
  • At the Royal Missionary Baptist Church (4750 Abraham Avenue, North Charleston, SC)

To RegisterClick this link to register for the event. Registration closes April 18th.

Click here for more information about this event or email Madison James (mjames@tuw.org) with any questions. Registration is free and breakfast will be provided.

Apply Today to Become an American Cancer Society CARES Clinic Volunteer

The American Cancer Society (ACS) is seeking CofC students to assist with a pilot cancer navigation support program, ACS CARES (Community Access to Resources, Education, and Support).

The program: A multi-channel approach that leverages digital, telephonic, and in-person support to provide direct, individualized, non-clinical assistance to improve the cancer experience. Students will provide people with cancer and caregivers non-clinical navigation support throughout the cancer journey.

Benefits: Work directly with a healthcare team, gain clinical hours, and positively impact the experience of a patient going through cancer treatment.

Timeline: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, with final candidate selections made in July. The program begins in September and lasts through the Spring ’25 semester.

To ApplyHead to this link to create a profile and submit your application!

For more information, check out the full description below or email ACSCARES@cancer.org with any questions.

Program Overview

For nearly 30 years, ACS has viewed patient navigation as a critical strategy in reducing health disparities across the cancer continuum, with demonstrated effectiveness at removing barriers and increasing access to care through the provision of coordinated, patient-centered support.

With over 1.9M people diagnosed with cancer annually, the goal of the American Cancer Society Navigation Support Program is to provide people with cancer and caregivers direct, individualized, in-person non-clinical navigation assistance that delivers timely information to reduce distress, resources to mitigate barriers to care, and emotional support to improve the cancer experience.

ACS is looking to recruit college/graduate students to become ACS CARES: Clinic Volunteers at nearby participating health systems to provide people with cancer and caregivers non-clinical navigation support throughout the cancer journey. ACS will provide the Clinic Volunteers with support (including continuing education and technical assistance), and data collection tools to maximize project outcomes.

ACS CARES: Clinic Volunteer Role

ACS CARES: Clinic Volunteers are college/graduate students who are ACS-trained to provide people with cancer and caregivers direct, individualized, non-clinical navigation assistance throughout the cancer journey. These volunteers will be placed at health systems and will:

  • Meet with patients and/or caregivers while they are waiting for their appointment or during chemotherapy infusions Utilize the validated NCCN-based ACS social determinants of health needs assessment and distress screening tool to identify and document concerns and barriers to care in a secure platform (NurseNav)
  • Assist patients and/or caregivers draft questions to discuss with their provider Take notes for patients during clinic appointments
  • Conduct follow-up calls to assist patients and/or caregivers in accessing ACS and health care system information and resources
  • Does NOT include accessing or documenting in the health care system EMR

Volunteer Benefits

  • Time spent will count towards clinical hours
  • Course credit may be available (to be determined on a case-by-case basis)
  • Receive specialized navigation support training, including patient privacy, how to function in the health care setting, and coordinating with professional navigators
  • Have dedicated ACS staff members to field questions and provide support

Volunteer Requirements

  • One year commitment is required (academic school year) Must be available for one 4-hour shift per week
  • Additional time commitment should be allotted for volunteer meetings and continued training/education Ages 18 and up
  • Actively enrolled as a student at the partnering college/university Comfortable using technology
  • Access to a computer with reliable internet access Pass background check
  • Complete application, interview, and required ACS training plus fulfill continued learning requirements throughout volunteer term
  • Must comply with hospital-based training and health requirements (i.e., on-site training, vaccination requirements, etc.)

Training

ACS CARES Clinic Volunteers will work directly with patients, caregivers, and providers, and thus are in close contact with patient health information. Extensive training will be provided to ensure you feel comfortable and prepared to perform this role. The self-paced training curriculum is to be completed virtually over the summer prior to beginning in the clinic. There will also be one full day of in-person training which will likely occur during syllabus week. Continuing education will be provided during division meetings throughout the semester.

How to Apply

  1. Visit the ACS Volunteer Community page and select the pilot site you are interested in applying
  2. You will be prompted to complete a Volunteer Community profile
  3. After creating your profile, you will be able to access the application
  4. Submit your application as soon as possible
  5. Qualified applicants will be invited to participate in virtual interviews

Please note: The application evaluation and interview process is on a rolling timeline.

Leadership Positions

Leadership opportunities will be available for experienced volunteers after the 2023-24 pilot year of the ACS CARES program concludes. These positions will work closely with ACS CARES staff to recruit, select, and manage new clinic volunteers, and facilitate communication with health care providers to expand the ACS CARES program to new clinic locations. Applications for these leadership positions will open in the spring of 2024.

Questions? Email ACSCARES@cancer.org.