Early Identification Program
The Parker Lab at the Center for Simulation, Research, and Patient Safety
Each year, the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine accepts three students into the Early Identification Program, which provides intensive medical school preparation during two summer sessions. Completing both summers of enrichment and maintaining all program requirements can help any participant to become a competitive applicant to medical school but in particular participants who have been impacted by disparate barriers, which may include, but are not limited to, participants from groups that are underrepresented in medicine.
Summer 1 (Rising Juniors or Seniors)
During the first summer, selected students participate in a 10-week summer program that provides an opportunity to engage in hands-on, hypothesis-driven independent research at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC in Roanoke, Virginia. The Summer 1 program blends an emphasis on research with an introduction to clinical skills and MCAT overview and preparation.
Summer 2 (Rising Seniors or Graduated Seniors)
During the second summer, selected students participate in 6-weeks of clinical rotations throughout various departments at Carilion Clinic facilities in Roanoke, Virginia. The Summer 2 program emphasizes a range of clinical experiences, intensive MCAT preparation, and advising on the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) application.
Application Requirements
To be eligible to apply to the Early Identification Program, students must satisfy the following requirements:
- Current student at Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, James Madison University, Old Dominion University, or the College of William & Mary.
- U.S. citizenship or permanent residency
- Be sophomores or juniors in good academic and professional standing
- Demonstrate and maintain a grade point average of 3.3 or higher
- Have completed one year of biology and/or one year of chemistry with lab
- Express a sincere interest in medicine
Application Process
To be considered, applicants should submit the following by February 1 of their sophomore or junior year:
- A completed online application
- A copy of their transcript
- Two professional references, including one from a science faculty member
The 2025 Early Identification Program application is now open. To be considered for the program, all application materials must be submited by February 1st.
For more information or additional questions, please e-mail Katherine Murphy at kbmurphy@vt.edu.