Program to Advance Training in Health & Sciences (PATHS)
The Program to Advance Training in Health & Sciences (PATHS) is a 10-month program that provides undergraduate students or recent graduates with a transformative learning experience to support their goal of applying for and earning an MD, MD/PhD, or PhD in the biomedical sciences. Students will be given access to critical online conversations, trainings, information, role models, mentors, tools, and resources specifically tailored to their future advanced degree track.
This is a great opportunity for students who may lack similar training or resources at their institutions, and who are 1-2 years from applying to an MD, MD/PhD or an PhD program in the biomedical sciences. Students will be able to strengthen their applications by participating in a positive learning environment and gaining exposure to a supportive professional network.
Register here to receive an application when the process opens!
Apply on February 3rd
Applications for 2025 Cohort open February 3rd, 2025.
Science and health professions can sometimes seem distant and unattainable—I think we are effective in helping students and advisors see that there is a path in science and health for anyone with the talent and commitment.
Program Benefits and Expectations
Students will be divided into three tracks according to the advanced degree (MD, MD/PhD, and PhD) they are committed to pursuing. Each advanced degree track will have 20 students, for a total of 60 students in the entire cohort.
All students in each track will have the following benefits and expectations:
- Trainings - Students will participate in monthly online evening workshops and conversations about topics related to preparing for and applying to MD, MD/PhD or PhD degree programs. Sessions will be scheduled during weekdays, from 7pm-8:30pm ET.
- Mentoring Program - Students will be mentored by current MD, MD/PhD, or PhD candidates at Yale School of Medicine (YSM) for the duration of the program to receive feedback and support on their application materials. They will meet with their mentor at least once a month while receiving advice and insight on the degree application process.
- Opportunities & Community of Support - Become part of a supportive network of peers and role models and receive regular notices about professional and career advancement opportunities at Yale and beyond.
I am so full of ideas. I found my worth. By talking to people who have done it, I realized it is not an easy path, but it is possible.
Eligibility
- Undergraduate students or postgraduates
- Applying for an advanced degree program in 1-2 years (MD, MD/PhD or PhD in the biomedical sciences)
- Individuals who may lack similar programs or resources at their institutions
- No limits on citizenship
Application, Evaluation and Selection Process
Students need to submit the following on or before the application deadline:
- An online application. You can take a look at the application form that you will be required to complete.
- A CV/resume and a copy of your most recent college transcript (unofficial or official copies will be accepted).
- A recommendation form completed by a mentor or someone who knows your academic and professional goals and interests. Please give your recommender this link with enough time to complete it before the deadline. We will not be accepting individual letters of recommendation outside of the recommendation form. You can see the recommendation form sample here.
Is this program a good fit for you? Think about the questions below before applying.
- Eligibility: Are you applying to an advanced degree program in the next 1-2 years?
- Commitment to Pursuing Advanced Degree: Are you committed to pursuing an advanced degree, and eager to learn important skill sets that will position you for success?
- Coachability: Do you know when to seek support? Are you open to feedback? And do you know how to incorporate feedback to advance your goals?
- Self-Awareness: Are you aware of your strengths and weaknesses? Do you think of ways to address areas where there are opportunities for growth?
- Demonstration of Need: Do you lack access to similar programs or resources like PATHS to orient you about how to apply to advanced degree programs?
- Learning Environment: Do you value being part of a supportive, positive and diverse learning environment?
If you answered ‘yes’ to the questions above, then this is the program for you!
Important Deadlines and Dates
- Application Opens: Monday, February 3rd.
- Application Deadline: Monday, March 31st, 11:59 pm EST.
- Notification of Acceptance by end of May, 2025
- Program Starts: August 2025
- Program Ends: May 2026
Register here to receive an application when the process opens!
Apply on February 3rd
Applications for 2025 Cohort open February 3rd, 2025.
Acknowledgements
Our program is made possible by many Yale students, faculty members, staff and groups who volunteer their time as mentors, facilitators, or cheerleaders! We extend our gratitude to SNMA, LMSA, and the MD/PhD Diversity and Inclusion Committee for helping disseminate our call for mentors and MD/PhD facilitators. We also appreciate our collaboration with YBDIC and their Next Generation Excellence Initiative for helping us develop the curriculum for the PhD track, including identifying speakers and student facilitators for our research lectures and professional development sessions.