NMA Dermatology & Olay® Medical Student Virtual Research Fellowship

The Medical Student Virtual Research Fellowships are a competitive, one-year funding initiative designed to support underrepresented medical students with a strong interest in dermatology. Administered through the NMA Dermatology Section, this program provides funding, mentorship, and structured research experience to empower future dermatology leaders in academic, clinical, and research settings.

Fellows will work in close collaboration with a faculty mentor to design and execute a dermatology-related research project, which may include clinical, translational, public health, or basic science components. Funding is provided to support project development, research-related expenses, travel to academic conferences, and time dedicated to scholarly output. Please note that funding is provided directly to the sponsor institution for distribution.

Fellowship Objectives

- Increase access to meaningful dermatology research opportunities for underresourced medical students.

- Promote academic productivity and professional development.

- Facilitate long-term mentoring relationships between students and dermatology faculty.

- Support publication and presentation of impactful dermatology research.

Fellowship Details

- Duration: 1 year  

- Start Window: Selected fellows will be notified on June 30, 2026.

- Format: Virtual, with optional in-person travel for research activities or conference participation

Deliverables

Each fellow is expected to produce at least one of the following by the end of the fellowship term:

- A poster presentation at a national dermatology or medical conference  

- A podium (oral) presentation  

- A manuscript submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal  

Fellowship Funding Options:

The program will fund up to ten (10) students/projects.

The specific model will be selected based on available resources and the applicant pool.

Budget Overview (per fellow)

Project Costs (IRB fees, startup, materials, publication fees): Up to $5,000  

Travel (airfare, hotel, registration): Up to $1,500  

Mentor Stipend (separate allocation)       

Eligibility Criteria

- Medical students currently enrolled in a US accredited Medical School

- Demonstrated interest in dermatology and academic scholarship  

- Identification of a faculty mentor (dermatology or aligned field)  

- Commitment to completing a research project and submitting a scholarly deliverable  

Application Requirements

- Research Project Proposal (including aim, methodology, and timeline) word limit 1,500

- Mentor Letter of Support  

- Student CV or Resume  

- Budget Justification  

Important Dates

- Applications Open: May 15

- Application Deadline: May 31  

- Fellowship Start: Academic year 26/27

- Final Deliverables Due: One year after start date