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The Native American Health Organization/Four Directions Summer Research Program is seeking applicants for the summer 2000 program. This is an opportunity for undergraduate/graduate Native Americans interested in medicine or biomedical research to conduct full-time research at Harvard Medical School (H.M.S.).

Participants will perform research with investigators whose interests range from neurobiology and neuropathology to cell biology and molecular genetics. No previous research experience or science background is required. Researchers will provide all necessary equipment and training; although a basic understanding of life sciences and chemistry is recommended. In addition, the investigators will also serve as mentors for the participants. Mentor selection is based not only on a desire to teach, but also on the ability to express sensitivity to Native American issues and ensure a positive experience for each participant.

Additionally, the participants have the option to attend outpatient clinical sessions with physicians, observe surgery, work with pathologists, spend a shift in the emergency ward, attend seminars and meet Native American medical students. The participants will also have free time to explore Boston.

At the core of the program are the close relationships fostered among Native American medical students at H.M.S. with the participants: future healers within our urban and rural communities. The participants are encouraged to make the most of the 8 weeks by developing ties with the H.M.S. Native medical students. This close network allows the program to approach the participants on a one-to-one basis to meet the unique needs of Native Americans. This is a student-initiated program and is supported by the H.M.S./Native American Health Organization, H.M.S./Division of Medical Sciences, Harvard Native American Program, and individual researchers.

There are no fees for participants. Transportation and lodging will be covered through H.M.S. and National Institutes of Health grants. Each participant will receive a stipend to supplement costs for food and miscellaneous expenditures. The tentative program dates are 23 June through 19 August, 2000.

Selection criteria for this program are not so dependent on high grades and test scores, but are instead focused on a student's motivation, maturity, and willingness to succeed in a given environment. We especially encourage motivated students from rural state colleges, tribal colleges, and community colleges to apply. Last year's participants came from a broad range of nations and attended a variety of schools including University of New Mexico, Northeastern University in Talequah, OK, McGill University in Montreal, University of Arizona, and Montana State University. Some had prior research experience. Others had minimal experience in basic chemistry labs. Adult American Indians with, preferably, some college experience and a commitment to education are encouraged to apply.

The NAHO/Four Directions Summer Research Program is an opportunity. It is not a credit course, MCAT-prep course, or hyper-intense research program. Unfortunately, the program's required activities do not allow time to prepare for the August MCAT. Lastly, there are no grades, but students will be informally evaluated at the program's end. The Program's major principle is this: If given the chance, could a given participant be motivated to pursue a career in medicine and/or medical research that would benefit themselves and their Native community?

For questions write to: Four Directions Summer Research Program, Harvard Medical School, Division of Medical Sciences/MEC 435, 260 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115

To receive an application, contact: Robert Pickard, H.M.S./Division of Medical Sciences by phone: (800) 367-9019 (ext.2), FAX: (617) 432-2644, e-mail: shurp@hms.harvard.edu or download an application.

Most general information is included in the application packet. If you have specific questions about the program please email us. If you do not have access to email and need to speak with someone directly, call us at our homes during the hours of 10AM-10PM, Eastern Standard time. If you do not receive a call back within 3 days, call again. Because we are students, emailing is usually the better way to contact us.