Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship for Medical Exploration (SURF-MedEx)

About SURF MedEx

Welcome to the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship's Medical Exploration (MedEx) track! SURF-MedEx is a unique opportunity for current UC students in the Medical Sciences program (or those working with Medical Sciences faculty) to engage in cutting-edge research during the summer. This program is designed to provide valuable research experience while offering professional development opportunities tailored to your future career goals as Physicians (MD/DO) or Physician Scientists (MD/DO PhD).

Sponsored by: SURF MedEx is sponsored by the Medical Sciences Baccalaureate Program.

Program Details

Spots Available: 10

Eligibility:

• Open to current UC students that are Medical Sciences majors or current UC students working with Medical Sciences faculty.
• Preference for students that have an established connection with a research mentor.
• Check the Medical Sciences Research Bulletin or with Medical Sciences Advising Staff to learn which labs may have opportunities.

Finding a Mentor:

• SURF MedEx applicants can work with faculty members at the College of Medicine or at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. Typically, are most successful when they have reached out to potential mentors ahead of time to gauge their interest in taking a SURF Student. This is because, although the SURF MedEx team screens applications, the final placement decisions for students are made by the research mentors. 
• If you are currently working in a lab, this is an easy path forward because the connection between you and a mentor is already established. You would indicate on your application that you are working with this faculty member and that they are interested in having you participate in SURF.
• If you are not currently working in a lab, there are still many ways to succeed in the application process. We suggest looking at research opportunities through sources like the Medical Sciences Research Bulletin (on canvas), the UC research directory (https://researchdirectory.uc.edu), or the CCHMC research directory (https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/search/find-researcher). If you find a faculty member that you think is doing interesting work, we recommend emailing them to introduce yourself and letting them know that you are interested in joining a lab over the summer (and that you would like to apply to a SURF program). When you submit your application, please indicate which potential mentors you have reached out to in your application so that we know to reach out to.

Funding:

There are two pathways for participation in SURF MedEx:

• The funded pathways works with potential mentors to coordinate a stipend for the summer. Typically, funded students are paid a stipend of $5000 for the 10 week program.  
• The volunteer pathway allows for students to volunteer their time in a lab over the summer, while still participating fully in the SURF program. 

We work closely with accepted mentors and students to find the option that best fits their style of work and goals for the program

Why SURF MedEx?

• Research Opportunities: Engage in hands-on, impactful research, working closely with an experienced faculty mentor.
• Professional Development: Learn directly from Physicians and Physician Scientists through workshops, seminars, and networking events aimed at preparing you for a successful career in medicine.
• Community: Weekly meetings and professional development opportunities with your fellow SURF MedEx students provides a community that fosters collaboration and supports you throughout your summer research journey.

Important Dates

• Application Opens: Mid-November
• Application Closes: Early February 
• Initial Acceptances and Interviews: March
• 2026 Program Start Date: May 26th, 2026
• 2026 Program End Date: July 31st, 2026

Contact Information

For inquiries and additional information, please contact Scott Vennemeyer, Director, SURF-MedEx.

Scott M. Vennemeyer

Graduate Assistant

Biomedical Informatics | College of Medicine

vennemsm@mail.uc.edu