James Scholar Program
Overview Heading link
The James Scholar for Independent Study Program (JS/ISP) focuses on supporting and refining research skills among medical students as they develop into clinical physicians. The James Scholar Program is designed to support medical student researchers during their M2-M4 years, with research projects culminating in high-level activities, such as publication of research papers, presentations at abstracted scientific conferences and academic meetings, the creation of posters at Departmental and College of Medicine events, and other significant contributions related to professional development.
James Scholar Program activities and student evaluations across all three of the University of Illinois College of Medicine regional campuses are designed to enhance student experiences at each campus, as well as combine efforts to create a tri-campus student and faculty learning community. It is expected that all JSP students will participate in these individual and tri-campus activities.
Benefits of Being a James Scholar Heading link
The James Scholar Program is for high-ability students so they can develop valuable skills in leadership, research, creativity, and service-learning. A James Scholar is an elite student designation identifying individuals with high-level research interest and abilities.
James Scholars:
- Represent less than 10% of each class.
- Receive credits for independent research.
- Receive James Scholar designation in the Commencement Program at graduation.
- Receive Honors recognition on official transcripts.
- Receive special notation on the first page of their Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE) in the Noteworthy Characteristics section.
- Represent diverse, stimulating medical student researchers.
- Foster close relationships with research and clinical faculty members that enrich their education and lead to future opportunities.
- Do not receive funding or stipends.
Application Process Heading link
Students on the Chicago Campus interested in applying to be James Scholars should actively be engaged in research at the time of application as well as be in good academic standing. Research activities should be with well-established academic faculty, having initiated these activities in the summer prior to their M2 year. It is recommended that applicants have developed a relationship with a faculty researcher who can serve as a mentor over the course of program participation; this is not a requirement. Students interested in identifying research mentors can contact the JSP Program Director.
Only complete applications are reviewed by a committee made up of UIC faculty.
Selection Criteria Heading link
- Good academic standing (promotion to M2 means most are in good academic standing)*
- Only Application Packets prepared as a single PDF document will be considered for review.
- Cover Letter (including title, statement against use of AI-generated text, and signature)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV), prior research experience should be mentioned, described
- Personal Statement (detail how being in the program will affect professional development)
- Project Abstract
- Research Project Summary
- Recommendation Letter
* In the event that students have considerations related to academic standing in the future (e.g., repeating a year), requirements to complete or continue in JSP will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Program Requirements Heading link
The James Scholar Program provides students with opportunities to establish relationships with faculty mentors that promote longitudinal research programs during the M2-M4 years. As such, the JSP has requirements for program participants.
- A brief summary of progress each semester. This can be a page or less and include research activities, program accomplishments, and other milestones. Students also may report that their progress was primarily ongoing in biannual semester reports.
- Participation in a peer-reviewed abstract/poster research event. In particular, students are encouraged to participate in the College of Medicine Research Forum, Departmental research events, and other student and trainee venues. Students also can work with mentors to develop posters for submission to professional meetings. At this time, there are no financial resources to support JSP students’ travel. Example article in MDPI Bioengineering 2025 by James Scholar Angela Hussain and team at the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at UIC and the Orthopaedic and Spine Institute at Northshore University Health System
- A final report due on or before May 1 of the student’s M4 year.
Application Process Heading link
Informational Meetings
- Information Session 1: Tues, Aug 26, 2025 @ 12:00pm via Zoom
- Information Session 2: Thurs, Aug 28, 2025 @ 12:00pm In-Person CMWT 220
- Information Session 3: Fri, Aug 29, 2025 @ 12:00pm via Zoom
- Application Q & A Opportunity 1: Tues, Sept 16, 2025 @ 3:30pm via Zoom
- Application Q & A Opportunity 2: Thurs, Sept 25, 2025 @ 12:30pm via Zoom
Past Meetings
- What to Know about Applying to JSP in the M2 Year: June 10, 2025 @ 12:15pm. Session Recording
Important Dates
- Window of Opportunity for Optional Draft Application Review & Feedback: Sept 10-19, 2025
- Request for Applications (RFA) Announced: Wed, Aug 20, 2025
- Deadline for Completed JSP Applications: Mon, Sept 29, 2025 @ 12:00pm CST
- Initial Application Packet & Materials Review: Sept 30 – Oct 2, 2025
- Distribute Application to Faculty Reviewers: Mon, Oct 6, 2025
- Faculty Reviews Completed & Returned: Fri, Nov 14, 2025
- Final Reviews Completed: Nov 17 – Nov 24, 2025
- Candidates Notified of Results: Wed, Dec 3, 2025
How to be a Competitive Candidate Heading link
Students interested in applying to be James Scholars should actively be engaged in research at the time of application as well as be in good academic standing. Research activities should be with academic faculty, having initiated these activities in the summer prior to their M2 year. Applicants should have an established relationship with the faculty member who can serve as a mentor over the course of program participation.
Application Scoring Heading link
This is a breakdown of the points system and how each applicant is measured.
Worth 1 point
- Identifies title of proposed research project.
- Acknowledges that the proposal was written by the applicant as primary author and that AI or other internet-based writing programs were not used in the development of the application.
- Provides signature of applicant.
Worth 9 points
Limit 2 pages:
- Prior research experience should be highlighted.
Worth 20 points
20 points total for these 3 topics, 1 page:
- Summary of interest in research.
- Detailing how participation will affect professional development.
- Plan for continuity of research.
Worth 5 points
- 150 words or less.
Worth 50 points
Materials not to exceed 5 single-spaced pages. References listed as the last page, does not count toward the 5-page limit. Margins not smaller than ½ an inch, and minimum 11-point Arial font. Recommended sections:
- Literature Review
- Current Level of Collaboration
- Proposed Methods
- Relevant Analytic/Evaluation Strategies
- Anticipated Results & Outcomes
- Planned Outputs (e.g., COM poster, paper, etc.)
- Sustainability into Professional Career
Worth 15 points
Include letter of support from your research mentor within your pdf application packet: do not attach separately. Not to exceed 2 pages. The letter should cover:
- Summary of Collaboration
- Role in Supporting Student
- How Project Extends Previous Work
- Date of Letter Composition & Mentor’s Signature
Contact Us Heading link
Questions feel free to contact Ron Gaba, Professor of Radiology, Assistant Dean of Student Education, Associate department Head for Research, Section Head – Interventional Radiology, Interim, Director of the James Scholar Program for Chicago
Email completed applications or address additional questions to Kelly Lynn Hogan, Phase 2/3 Coordinator, or at (312) 355-0521.