Program Highlights

  • Scholars receive a stipend. There are no tuition or fees.
  • Transportation costs and University housing are paid by the program.
  • Weekly didactic lectures in physiology, pathophysiology, and biostatistics.
  • Seminars focusing on reducing health disparities and enhancing cultural competence in health care.
  • Opportunities to shadow at affiliated hospitals: Keck, LA General Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles.
  • Career development workshops: financial aid, MCAT prep, graduate school admission process, test taking skills, organization skills, time management, and career choices.

Applying to the program

Program Dates: June 9 – August 1, 2025

Application Opens: November 2024
Application Deadline: February 2, 2025

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Complete at least 2 years of undergraduate study
  • Have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 or greater
  • U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or DACA

We encourage applications from students from educationally, economically, and environmentally disadvantaged backgrounds, and individuals from groups historically underrepresented in medicine and biomedical sciences.

All participants are required to be fully vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 unless they have an approved exemption because of a disability, medical contraindication, or sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance, per university policy. Individuals who are not fully vaccinated (i.e., those who qualify for a medical or religious exemption) are required to wear a facial covering indoors and outdoors when distancing cannot be maintained and be tested regularly.

Applications open beginning November 2024

You will be required to submit the following with your application:

  • An essay describing how this program will enhance your educational and career goals (min. 500 words)
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Two faculty Letters of Recommendation (One MUST be from a faculty in the Life Sciences)

For questions regarding your application or the application process, please contact:

Bridging the Gaps
Keck Office of Diversity and Inclusion
Email: keckodi@usc.edu
Phone: 323-442-1050