Four Directions Summer Research Program
Four Directions Summer Research Program Overview
The Four Directions Summer Research Program (FDSRP) is a unique summer research opportunity at Mass General Brigham for undergraduate rising juniors, rising senior, senior, pre-med, or first-year medical student with a commitment to the health of Native American communities. Students engage in a basic science research project under the direction of a Faculty Mentor. Additional activities include clinical shadowing, career development seminars, Talking Circles, networking events and more. Upon completion of the program, students leave Mass General Brigham with new skills, experiences and knowledge that can be used to empower themselves, their communities and future generations of Native peoples from all Four Directions.
The program's goals are:
- To provide students with tools, information and opportunities on their journey to becoming physicians, researchers and public health professionals; as well as role models and teachers in the academic community
- To create an extensive network of health professionals dedicated to Indigenous Health Care that will serve as a venue for knowledge sharing, nationwide mentoring and advocacy
- To cultivate students’ understanding and awareness of Native American health issues and associated health issues more broadly
Four Directions Summer Research Program History
The Four Directions Summer Research Program was founded by Native American students attending Harvard Medical School. These students shared a common vision of increasing educational and career opportunities for promising Native American students. 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. FDSRP is now in its 31st year and has brought over 200 students to BWH and HMS and will now expand to Mass General Brigham.
Applications are now open for the 2027 Cohort of the Four Directions Summer Research Program
Click here to apply: Sanmita Admissions - Login
Applications open: Monday Nov. 2
Information session: Thursday, Dec. 3, 6:30-7:30 pm
Application and recommendation letter deadline: Monday, Feb. 1, 2027, 11:59 pm
Program dates: Tuesday, June 1 - Friday, July 23, 2027
Selection calls: Late Feb. - early March 2027