NU Docs Pathway Program
NU Docs is a 10-month pathway program that offers Northwestern University undergraduates an immersive introduction to careers in medicine and the life sciences. Offered by the Feinberg School of Medicine’s Office of Health Equity, Northwestern University Health Professions Advising and Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences, NU Docs supports Feinberg’s commitment to preparing students to become excellent, patient-centered physicians through structured exposure and mentorship.
Program Impact
125 Applications received annually
25 Students selected per cohort
89% Medical school acceptance rate
10% Participants who matriculate to the Feinberg School of Medicine
Program Details
The program begins with a required Spring Break Immersion Week on the Chicago campus. During this week, students participate in admissions advising, resident and medical student panels, faculty specialty talks, anatomy lab exposure, and clinical shadowing, providing a firsthand look into the daily life of a physician.
Before the spring break experience, all newly accepted students are invited to NU Docs Connect. This celebratory event honors the outgoing cohort for completing the program, while allowing the incoming class to build community and network with students, faculty, residents and staff from the Feinberg Office of Health Equity and Northwestern's Health Professions Advising.
From April 2026 through February 2027, students continue with clinical shadowing, Immersion in Medicine virtual sessions, and hands-on clinical specialty days that offer deeper insight into medical practice. Through this sustained mentorship, NU Docs identifies promising future physicians early and equips them with the support needed to thrive in medical school.
Learn How NUDOCS Is Shaping Future Leaders
Specialty Days
The program offers clinical shadowing days to provide participants with a firsthand look in the daily life of physicians in their specialty. Read more about the recent specialty days:
Apply to NU Docs
Applications for the 2027 NU Docs cohort will open in winter.
Eligibility
- Northwestern undergraduate (sophomore or junior) in good academic standing
- Interested in pursing degrees in Medicine
- Able to attend all days of the Spring Break Immersion Week in Chicago (in-person only)
- May only participate in NU Docs once
Key Dates
- Application deadline: Applications will open in winter
- Spring Break Immersion Week: Monday, March 22, 2027 - Friday, March 26, 2027 from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm daily on the Chicago campus
- NU Docs Connect (for selected applicants): TBA
Time Commitment (Approximate)
- Virtual Orientation (required): 1 hour
- Spring Break Immersion Week (required): 40 hours
- Clinical Shadowing: 10 hours (strongly encouraged)
- Specialty Days: 10–15 hours on the weekends (strongly encouraged)
- Immersion in Medicine virtual sessions: 2–5 hours (strongly encouraged)
Application Essays (200-word limit each)
- Describe your pre-Northwestern academic experience and how it has shaped your readiness for the curriculum.
- How will the NU Docs program help you prepare for the transition to medical school? What knowledge, skills, or experiences do you hope to gain?
- What experiences have inspired your interest in medicine, and how do you envision a career as a physician allowing you to positively impact your life and the communities you belong to?
Contact Us
If you have any questions about NU Docs, please contact the Office of Health Equity at feinberghealthequity@northwestern.edu.