Medical Student Summer Research Fellowship in Psychiatry at Columbia University

We are committed to the well-being and success of all community members. Columbia complies with all applicable civil rights laws and does not engage in illegal preferences or discrimination.

Supported by The Louis and Rachel Rudin Foundation

DEADLINE:  Friday, February 27, 2026

About

In 2016 the Psychiatry Department at Columbia University started the Dr. June Jackson Christmas Medical Student Summer Fellowship for medical students completing their first year of medical school. The fellowship aims to expose students to the breadth of career opportunities in psychiatry. Since 2017, we have expanded this effort to include a summer research track. Students will be assigned to work with a research mentor while gaining broad exposure to a wide range of research opportunities in psychiatry. The program will provide a stipend of $5,600 for the 8-week research program.

Program dates for Summer 2026: Monday, June 15th-Friday, August 7th. 

Time Commitment

The expectation is that students will complete 8 consecutive weeks of the fellowship during the summer following acceptance into the fellowship and program dates cannot be adjusted.

Stipend Distribution

Fellowship stipends will be distributed in three installments. The first disbursement will be at the onset of the summer fellowship and the second disbursement during the midway point. Upon meeting all program requirements, the last installment will be issued.

Eligibility 

Applicants will be considered on an individual basis, with special consideration given to those applicants who:

  • Were the first in their family to attend college
  • Grew up in a single-parent household
  • Have, either as a result of their socio-economic background or other challenging life experiences, overcome obstacles on their journey to medical school
  • Have, through their education or work experience, demonstrated a commitment to serving historically underprivileged populations. 

To be eligible, medical students must:

  • Have begun medical school in 2025 and expect to finish their first year by June 2026
  • Be in good academic standing at their current medical school
  • Agree that their participation in the JJC fellowship will last 8 consecutive weeks
  • Agree to participate in all surveys as part of the program’s evaluation
  • Participate in a virtual interview if requested

Application

All materials must be uploaded into the application portal by 11:59 pm EST on Friday, February 27, 2026:https://educationportal.nyspi.org. The application includes: 

  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Statement of Interest: A single-spaced essay of no fewer than 500 words and no more than 800 words on why you are applying to this program. You should include any special research interests that you would like to pursue in the future and how this program would assist you in meeting your educational/career goals. Please also describe any prior research experience that may be relevant.
  • Two Letters of Reference: At least one letter of reference from an individual who is closely acquainted with your educational, volunteer, and/or work experience over the last 4 years. 
  • A third letter should be from the Dean of Students at your medical school, verifying that you are in good standing and can participate in the entire 8-week program. 

All materials must be uploaded into the application portal.  If you have any questions, please reach out to: 

Patrice Malone, MD, PhD
Email: pkw2105@cumc.columbia.edu

For technical issues with the application portal, feel free to contact ishelp@nyspi.columbia.edu