Biomedical Research Training Program
for Individuals from Underrepresented Groups
(Predoctoral Students)

The NHLBI established the Biomedical Research Training Program for Individuals from Underrepresented Groups (BRTPUG) to offer opportunities for underrepresented health professional degree students and post-baccalaureate individuals to receive training in fundamental biomedical sciences and clinical research disciplines. The purpose of the program is to enhance career opportunities in biomedical and behavioral research, including clinical and laboratory medicine, epidemiology, and biostatistics as applied to the etiology and treatment of heart, blood vessel, lung, and blood diseases.

BRTPUG offers each participant the opportunity to work closely with leading research scientists in the Division of Intramural Research and extramural scientists in the Division of Cardiovascular Sciences - Prevention and Population Sciences Program. The program provides students with hands-on training in a research environment, which will prepare them to continue their studies and advance their careers in clinical and basic research.

The program supports students enrolled full-time in an accredited health professional school or recently completed post-baccalaureates, who have completed academic training in course work relevant to biomedical, behavioral, or statistical research. Applicants must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) or science course GPA of 3.3 or better on a 4.0 scale, or 4.3 or better on a 5.0 scale, and be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

The trainee's appointment is a one-time appointment of 6 (2 summers) to 24 months over a 2 year period beginning the summer of selection. Each trainee is assigned to a mentor who is responsible for designing a carefully planned training program.

Who is eligible? Underrepresented health professional degree students already enrolled in a program leading to an M.D., D.D.S., D.O., D.V.M., or other clinical, health professional degree, and post-baccalaureate individuals planning to pursue advanced degrees in the biomedical and behavioral sciences and meeting all other program criteria. Health professional degree students that wish to take a year off from the health professional school to conduct research are eligible to apply.

The opportunities? Research training in NHLBI intramural or extramural program

Duration of support?

Health Professional Degree Student: Summers/1 to 2 year period beginning the summer of selection

Post-Baccalaureate: 1 to 2 year period beginning the summer of selection

Where? Research training in the NHLBI intramural or extramural program in Bethesda, Maryland

Applications due?
For Health Professional Degree Students (summer experience), placements begin in June of the calendar year for summer opportunities. NHLBI strongly encourages applicants to submit your application by January 15.

For Post-Baccalaureate/Health Professional Degree Students, 1-2 year research internships begin in June-September of the calendar year. Applications should be submitted by February 15.

The NHLBI strongly encourages early submission of applications for both summer and Post-Baccalaureate/Health Professional Degree Student research opportunities.

The most recent announcement for the BRTPUG program and health professional degree student stipends can be found at URL: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/funding/training/redbook/brtpug.htm. Stipends are prorated based on the actual number of weeks worked.

How to apply: To apply, please use the NHLBI on-line application.

Dr. Helena O. Mishoe
Office of Research Training and Minority Health
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
National Institutes of Health
6701 Rockledge Drive, Suite 9180, MSC 7913
Bethesda, Maryland 20892-7913
Phone: (301) 451-5081
Email: mishoeh@nhlbi.nih.gov

Revised September 2011