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What is the STRONGER Scholars program?

Our communities need physicians and clinicians who can competently address tobacco disparities. Equip yourself with the necessary training and plan for a future providing care to patients experiencing tobacco-related health inequities.

What will Scholars be doing?

Mentored research

Work one-on-one with a tobacco-focused research mentor on a research project of mutual interest

Peer community-building

Med Scholars will intersect with Grad Scholars during their summer program and periodically in the following 9 months.

Grad Scholars will also intersect with scholars in a sister program, HEALTH-FAST 

Learn about tobacco

Attend programming to refine knowledge and skills in tobacco dependency care and its intersection with health inequities

Publish and present research

Present locally, nationally, and internationally at prestigious conferences

Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training

Learn the ins and outs of how to conduct research with integrity

STRONGER Speaker Series

Attend talks from national experts conducting tobacco research, including attention to building professional skills and resiliency for a research-inclusive career

Health communications training

Create health promotion campaigns (with prizes given for the top campaigns!)

The program consists of two different tracks for students based on their academic degree goals:

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Med Scholars

Students enrolled in or imminently bound for medical school - anywhere in the U.S.

  • 10-week, full-time, summer program at MD Anderson

  • In-person component from early June through early August

  • Periodic remote engagement thereafter

  • Receive $6,800 for the summer program participation

  • Receive funds for professional membership dues, professional development needs, and travel for research presentation 

  • If out of state, receive funds to offset summer housing costs

Grad Scholars

Students enrolled in a full-time psychology or social work doctoral program in or near Houston, TX

  • 12-month, part-time program at MD Anderson

  • September 1st through the end of August

  • 20 hours per week

    • About 15 hours per week in supervised research activities with a research mentor and 5 hours in other program elements

    • Opportunity to work up to 40 hours per week with an increased stipend in the summer

    • Access to additional funds for professional development, presentation travel, open access fees for publication, et cetera

  • Receive a competitive monthly stipend 

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