Charles and Muriel Kornheiser Clinical Scholars Program

The Charles and Muriel Kornheiser Clinical Scholars Program at St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center® (Roslyn, NY) is part of a donation by the Leonard and Sophie Davis Fund. 

This clinical scholarship program aims to provide two paid research internships each year to college graduates who aspire to a medical career. Candidates from underrepresented minorities (URM) in medicine are encouraged to apply.

*URM. Association of American Medical Colleges: Underrepresented in medicine means those racial and ethnic populations that are underrepresented in the medical profession relative to their numbers in the general population. In the U.S., this generally includes students who identify as African Americans, Native Americans, (American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians), and Hispanic Americans.

About the Clinical Scholars Program

Scholars selected for the program are paired with a physician mentor who is an active clinical and research physician at St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center®. This full time, paid position will focus on research activities and clinical observations in cardiovascular medicine at St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center®. Scholars will collaborate with a research team to contribute to scientific publications, as a result of research activities, and will attend a national scientific meeting.

Through structured lectures and journal club, scholars will learn about research methodology to strengthen critical thinking skills and to supplement their research work. Scholars will be trained to analyze various cardiac imaging modalities including Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), CT, MRI and coronary angiograms.

They will also have the opportunity to interact with patients through their research work. Opportunities exist for the scholars to build networks of formal and informal contacts in the medical community that will provide support as they seek future career goals.

  • Able to commit to the Clinical Scholars program for one year (07/08/2024-06/27/2025)
  • Recent graduates who received a baccalaureate degree or a current senior planning to graduate by May 2024
  • GPA of 3.6 or higher
  • Plans to pursue an advanced degree in biomedical sciences

The Clinical Scholars Program application provides instructions for completion and submission.

Send your completed application to: SFHscholarsprogram@chsli.org

  • Resume/CV
  • Unofficial copy of transcript to date
  • Personal essay
  • Two/three letters of recommendation

Application submission deadline: February 9, 2024

Candidates’ selection date: March 1, 2024

Program start date: July 8, 2024

Administrative Office of the Charles and Muriel Kornheiser Clinical Scholars Program

Call: 833-CSP-SFH4 (833-277-7344)

Email: SFHscholarsprogram@chsli.org

Christopher Sarpong and Jonathan Orozco-Diaz
Class of 2023-2024: Christopher Sarpong (left) and Jonathan Orozco-Diaz (right)

 

clinical-scholars-2022
Class of 2022-2023: Cristian Espada (left) and Leana Figueroa (right)

 

2021 Scholars
Class of 2021-2022: Dylan Dominquez Sulca (left) and Elma Chowdhury (right)

I could not have imagined a better way to spend my gap year before medical school! The Kornheiser Clinical Scholars Program has allowed me to gain hands-on research training, clinical shadowing opportunities, and heavy involvement with ongoing research projects. Throughout my interactions with them, I have had the opportunity to build meaningful mentoring relationships with physicians from multiple fields in medicine. I have been supported every step of the way by members of the St. Francis community and staff. This experience has proved to be invaluable and will certainly serve me well in my future career as a physician.

Christopher Sarpong, B.S. Biological Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, Class of 2022

The Kornheiser Clinical Scholars Program has enabled me to gain insight into healthcare and expand my knowledge through direct learning and hands-on experiences. During this program, I have been able to be part of different clinical research projects, learn medical imaging modalities, and develop patient communication skills. The caring staff at St. Francis Hospital have taken the time to mentor me, share their experiences, and provide real-world insights into the challenges and nuances of cardiovascular medicine. I am sincerely grateful for the invaluable guidance and knowledge this program has provided me, which have formed a strong foundation for my future career as an aspiring physician.

Jonathan Orozco-Diaz, B.S. Biology, Molloy College, Class of 2023