Diversity Externship Scholarship

As the only safety net hospital in the Chicagoland area, we take great pride in treating a diverse patient population regardless of their ability to pay, and we aim to attract residents that share with us in this mission to serve others. This is best stated in a quote attributed to Louis Pasteur that is still proudly displayed in front of the “old” Cook County Hospital.

“ONE DOESN'T ASK OF ONE WHO SUFFERS: WHAT

IS YOUR COUNTRY AND WHAT IS YOUR RELIGION?

ONE MERELY SAYS, YOU SUFFER. THIS IS ENOUGH

FOR ME, YOU BELONG TO ME AND I SHALL HELP YOU."

--LOUIS PASTEUR

As a future sub-intern at Cook County Health, you will be caring for patients from diverse backgrounds. We believe that our diversity in patients warrants diversity in our physicians and providers, and it is because of our dedication to our patients that we in turn are committed to recruiting a diverse residency class year after year. With this in mind, we are pleased to offer $1000 scholarships for rotating M4s from underrepresented backgrounds. This should assist with the economic burden of doing an away sub-internship at our hospital. Thank you for considering us. We hope to see you here!


Who can apply?

Medical students in their 4th year of training from a traditionally underrepresented ethnicity (African American, Latino, Native American/Alaska Native, Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian), gender identification, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status in US medical schools in good standing at an LCME accredited US medical school.

How Can I Apply?

Applicants apply for our rotation via VSLO, which will include your CV and medical school transcript. In addition, we ask you submit the following documentation to Ms. Gina Wiley (gwiley@cookcountyhhs.org) to be considered for the scholarship:

  1. One letter of recommendation from an EM faculty member

  2. Write an essay in 500 words or less that answers the following questions:

    • Describe any experiences in your personal life or in your training that led you to appreciate the difficulties faced by the medically underserved.

    • How will your lived experiences contribute to the diversity of our program and the care of our Cook County patients?

How are the Scholarship Recipients Selected?

All applications will be reviewed by a committee comprised of attendings and residents to select the most qualified candidates. All candidates will be notified of our decision 2-3 months prior to the start of their rotation.

What Is the Deadline to Apply?

We will start to accept applications concurrently with our VSLO opening date on February 24th, 2025. Applications will be due by March 24th, 2025. You are encouraged to apply early, as applications will be reviewed and awarded on a rolling basis.

What are the Details of the Scholarship?

Three medical students will receive a $1000 stipend for expenses. It will be given in the form of reimbursement for travel, housing, food, and other select expenses incurred throughout the month-long rotation. The stipend will be given after satisfactory completion of the rotation and after appropriate documentation is submitted.