Research Intensive Scholarly Emphasis
The Research Intensive Scholarly Emphasis (RISE) program provides an opportunity for MD students to apply for a fully funded, full-time additional year to perform research in a closely mentored environment overseen by experienced, productive faculty investigator-mentors. Once accepted into RISE, students receive intensive assistance in preparation for their extra research year.
We anticipate that most RISE scholars will take their extra year for full-time research after M2 or M3 years. Applications are submitted through a brief online form.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be currently enrolled at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
- Only M1, M2 and M3 students may apply.
- Prior research experience is NOT required for candidacy in the RISE program.
Application Components
1. Specific Aims
- Length and formatting: 1 page maximum, Arial (or similar), 11-point font minimum, 0.5-inch margins at minimum.
- Content: Outline the scientific rationale and clearly define the aims to be accomplished over the RISE year. Please include: main hypotheses, methods, analytic/experimental plan, timeline, goals, and expected challenges and alternative approaches, as well as any outputs including abstracts, presentations, and potentials manuscript publications. A single aim or project is acceptable, as are multiple aims or projects. The specific aims should demonstrate focus, feasibility, and alignment with the goals of RISE.
2. Mentor Research Environment and Training Plan
- Length and formatting: 2 pages maximum, Arial (or similar), 11-point font minimum, 0.5-inch margins at minimum.
- Content: Outline the specific training activities and mentor research infrastructure for the student. This should include frequency of laboratory/research group meetings, planned meetings with the mentor and co-mentors/collaborators (e.g., postdocs, analysts, technicians), relevant didactics, and oversight plan (who will be the primary and/or secondary individuals responsible for overseeing the student’s progress, and how will they ensure progress is being made?).
Finally, this document must explicitly state the portion of the RISE salary that the mentor will provide (50% is the norm and strengthens the application). The Mentor Research Environment and Training Plan must be signed by the student applicant and the mentor.
3. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Length and formatting: no page limit, no set formatting.
- Content: Submit an updated CV. Components may include:
- Education history and academic achievements
- Relevant skills (prior research experience is not required to be a competitive RISE applicant)
- Publications, presentations, or other scholarly contributions (if applicable)
- Any awards, honors, or recognitions received
- Relevant extracurricular activities or professional memberships
FAQ
How is RISE funded?
Funding is provided at the standard predoctoral student stipend to the student (approximately $35,000 per year). Typically, funding is split to some degree between the student's mentor and Feinberg. The most common is a 50/50 split. RISE scholars are hired through the Office of Medical Education (AWOME).
Additionally, each student will be eligible for a RISE professional development reimbursement fund of $1,250. This fund can be used for workshops, conference travel and malpractice insurance, among other professional development-related activities.
What is my academic status during RISE?
Students taking a RISE year are enrolled in an independent study status. Historically, this enrollment status does not trigger a student to go into loan repayment status. Tuition is not charged during the RISE year.
Would I quality for NUSHIP?
Students in RISE may qualify for NUSHIP.
What about ECMH?
ECMH will not be a requirement during RISE. Students wishing to keep up their clinical skills may volunteer at a volunteer clinic (no supplemental insurance required) or purchase malpractice insurance using the RISE Professional Development Fund to visit their ECMH.