New Jersey Medical School
ViSION
Visiting Students: Initiating Opportunities and Networking

Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (NJMS) and University Hospital in Newark are committed to providing health care for the Greater Newark community, who experience many health disparities. The Vision Program invites senior medical students with a demonstrated commitment to working with or serving these communities to engage in a four-week sub-internship at NJMS, gaining valuable clinical experience while working with populations reflective of our Greater Newark community.

To support participation, selected students may receive up to $2,000 in reimbursement for travel, housing, and living expenses. This initiative aligns with our institutional mission to develop future physicians dedicated to serving all underresourced communities.

Participants will benefit from career advising, mentorship, exposure to academic medicine, an interview for our residency program, and a letter of evaluation. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to experience Newark’s vibrant culture, from the renowned Ironbound District to the city’s revitalized downtown, as well as its proximity to New York City and outdoor recreation.

Application Details:

• Application Period: March 4 – April 15, 2026
• Program Duration: 4-week electives in the following blocks:
  • June 1 - June 26, 2026
  • June 29 - July 24, 2026
  • July 27 - August 21, 2026
  • August 24 - September 18, 2026
  September 21 - October 16, 2026
  • October 19 - November 13, 2026
• Eligibility: Senior medical students who have completed core clerkships before the start of the elective.
• Funding: Up to $2,000 in reimbursement for eligible students.
• Networking: Direct engagement with faculty, residents, and program directors, as well as access to grand rounds, seminars, and workshops.

Available Specialties:

Application Requirements:
Submit the following materials via email:

• Completed application link: https://rutgers.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7aCsihTar78F5yK
• CV/Resume
• Official medical school transcript (original)
• USMLE Step 1 score (Step 2 if available)
• One letter of recommendation from a Dean at your home institution
• One letter of recommendation from a faculty member in your specialty of interest
• Recent photo
• Program Essay (max 400 words per question):
• Please provide a statement that demonstrates your experiences or commitment to addressing health disparities in the community. You may also include any lived experiences that may have shaped your commitment.  
• Explain how your chosen specialty can address health disparities affecting communities similar to ours.
• Discuss the impact of a role model on your journey and how you aspire to be a mentor for others.                 
• Are there any challenges or hardships that impacted your journey to medicine that you would like to discuss in more detail? This could include experiences that shaped your commitment related to family background, financial background, community setting, or educational experiences? Please elaborate. (Examples include community of residence had limited access to or low-quality health services; immediate family ever used federal or state assistance programs; received free or reduced-price lunch in high school; and/or received Pell Grant, EOF, HEOP or other aid).

Students should also submit an application through the Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO) system. ViSION will not cover any fees associated with the VSLO process or pre-elective clearance. Please note the Rutgers NJMS System will open March 4, 2026.

Please adhere to the application guidelines. Otherwise, your application may not be considered.
For more information, please contact us at: