The Program

Welcome to the Four Directions Summer Research Program (FDSRP). Here you will learn about FDSRP's History and Program Goals, Program Activities including research experiences and lecture series, and Social Events such as Pow-Wows and fishing trips. Funding and support for program participants will provide you with the essentials for a summer in Boston. Please read through our student testimonials to get a better feel for our wonderful program.

Our History

The Four Directions Summer Research Program (FDSRP) began as an idea among Native American students attending Harvard Medical School (HMS). With the help of a few devoted medical school faculty, the program was launched in 1994 with the successful enrollment of 6 students for the first summer. We are now in our 15th year, and have brought nearly 150 students to HMS during this time.

Our vision is simple… that a handful of talented individuals will leave Harvard Medical School with new skills, experiences, and knowledge that can be used to help themselves, their communities, and future generations of Native peoples from all of the Four Directions. < back to top >

Program Goals

The focus of activity during the summer is participation in a basic science research project. Students are assigned a medical school faculty mentor who will work closely with the student to ensure completion of a project over the 8-week summer period. Additional program goals include:

• Experience cutting edge research at a leading medical school
• Understand the medical school application process
• Exposure to Native American health care issues
• Integrate Native traditions including talking circles
• Networking with Native American students and faculty < back to top >

Program Activities

FDSRP has over ten years of experience with providing a uniquely tailored program to those with the desire to serve Native American communities through science and medicine.

The focus of activity during the summer is participation in a basic science research project. Students are assigned a medical school faculty mentor who will work closely with the student to ensure completion of a project over the 8-week summer period.

Weekly lecture seminar covering the application process for medical school or other graduate programs, Native American health care issues, and careers in medicine (including clinical physicians, public health officials, basic research scientists) Weekly talking circles involving FDSRP students and program coordinators Final research project presentation to FDSRP students and directors, as well as medical school faculty < back to top >

Social Events

Boston is a wonderful city with a great deal to offer summer students. We strive to make sure you enjoy your experience outside of lab by arranging many group activities that often include:

Funding and Support

FDSRP will provide you with the essentials to survive the summer:

• Transportation to and from Boston
• Single rooms in the medical school student dormitory
• Living stipend for food and other necessities < back to top

Student Testimonials

The best information about a program always comes from the participants:

“Your support really has meant a lot to me. The program has really helped me to remember my goals and to never give up!” “I am heading for the next hurdle of getting in to med school. One down, many, many more to go!”

“I feel that the program has been very beneficial in showing me that I do not have to settle for second best in life.”

“The support that the program has given me has encouraged me to reach for the stars in life, not only medicine.”

“The biggest thing I got out of the program was complete support and encouragement of my desire to become a doctor.”

“Having native medical students and doctors to lead the program by example was one of the programs best qualities.”

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