Who Can Participate?Eligibility

We are looking for students with a demonstrated commitment to the health of Native American communities, and evidence of motivation to achieve the highest goals possible.

At work in the lab.

This does not require the highest grades (we do not request transcripts) or the most extensive research background (previous research experience is not required). We do require the following:

  • Minimum 1 year of undergraduate studies in a 4-year undergraduate degree program prior to start of program (June 2011)
  • Demonstrated interest in careers in medicine, public health, or biomedical sciences
  • At least 1 introductory science course (can include biology or chemistry)
  • NOT taking the August MCAT (the time constraints of the program do not allow adequate time for studying for this important exam)
Our previous participants say:

“This program gave me the confidence to pursue a career that no one in my family or friends has ever done. I might not have ever tried to go this far without seeing that other Native Americans could achieve such goals. ”

“The FDSRP allowed me to develop and use skills as a scientist. This program also provided me with support to achieve personal goals of becoming a physician.”

“It opened doors I was not cognizant of in the past. Working in the tribal environmental field now, I can utilize the knowledge and experience from attending the FDSRP”

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Alumni SPOTLIGHT

Josh Huhndorf – FDSRP 2007

Josh is from Nikiski, a small town in Alaska and came to FDSRP to meet other Native students that shared similar ambitions in healthcare and research. “I want to make the most of my potential and pay it forward to my Alaska Native/American Indian people” says Josh, and attending FDSRP “allowed me to realize that I can achieve anything that I was determined to do, and that I should never restrict my ambitions.” He specifically enjoyed all the FDSRP events held during the program which included seeing George Carlin perform.

As an undergraduate at Oregon State University he majors in Health Management & Policy and minors in Economics with the intent to learn how to maximize limited resources. He has tried to inspire and create opportunities for others by founding the OSU Rural and Minority Healthcare Advocates and currently works for his tribe implementing a new care model at the Dena’ina Health Clinic and hopes to apply to the Harvard School of Public Health’s Health Management & Policy Program.