Four Directions Summer Research Program

REMINDER: Our 2021 Summer Training in Academic Research and Scholarship (STARS) Program application is now open! To apply, visit cdi.brighamandwomens.org/stars. Applications will remain open until Monday, February 1, 2021.

Questions? Email [email protected]
We look forward to your applications!

Alumni Spotlight: Shelbie Shelder, FDSRP 2015

Education: Michigan State University (Undergraduate), University of Minnesota Medical School (Expected graduation May 2021)

Currently: 4th year medical student at University of Minnesota Medical School. In process of interviewing for family medicine residency programs.

Future plans: Practice as a family medicine physician in an Indian Health Service clinic.

Q&A:
1. What drew you to the FDSRP?
I was drawn to FDSRP because of the opportunity to gain research experience at one of the top institutions of the world. Additionally, I knew that I would be among other Native peers and that is what sold the program for me. When I applied to the FDSRP program, I was unsure if I wanted to apply to medical school. After spending the summer doing research and shadowing amazing doctors at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, I started my journey of preparing to apply to medical school.

2. What did you enjoy most about the FDSRP?
I enjoyed the mentorship I gained through doing research at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. I enjoyed the lifelong friendships I formed with my fellow FDSRP peers. Being accepted to FDSRP opens up ample opportunities for networking throughout your entire career.

3. Do you feel that FDSRP has helped you in your current career path? If so, how?
FDSRP gave me a network of mentors, peers, and doctors who encouraged and supported me in applying to medical school. The program also gave me confidence that “I am enough” and empowered me to pursue the rigorous journey of becoming a physician. I thought to myself, ‘If Harvard accepted me for an internship, then maybe I am smart enough to go to medical school.” I am forever grateful for this opportunity to gain research experience under guidance of Harvard Medical School faculty.

4. Any advice you would give to incoming participants of the program or advice you would give yourself when you were starting the program?
Take advantage of being at an Ivy League research institution by contacting faculty, medical students and doctors in the area. Ask a local doctor to shadow them. Get to know the city of Boston and be open to forming friendships with your FDSRP peers. Advice I would give myself is to be more confident that the faculty at Harvard are there to support you and they want to mentor you. You are there for a reason and you are more than qualified to be there.

5. Is there any advice you would give to Native American students who are interested in attending medical school?
Find mentors and do not hesitate to contact me via my Instagram (). Do not let your idea of success be dominated by a colonized worldview. You are enough and you belong in medicine. Our people need you! Remind yourself that your path does not have to look like everyone else's. Your unique journey to medical school is your power and strength as a future physician.

As we close out Native American Heritage Month, here are some ways you can continue to show solidarity and support with Native American Communities.

We are thrilled to announce that our 2021 Summer Training in Academic Research and Scholarship (STARS) Program application is now open! To apply, visit https://cdi.brighamandwomens.org/stars/
Applications will remain open until Monday, February 1, 2021. Questions? Email [email protected] We look forward to your applications!

Alumni Spotlight: Anpothowin Jensen, FDSRP 2016

Education: Stanford University (B.S. in Environmental Systems Engineering)

Current: M.S. Civil Environmental Engineering Program at Stanford University. Also, working to elevate Indigenous global health and serves as a Stanford Global Health student board member. Currently co-authoring pieces highlighting Stanford's partnership with IHS in Pine Ridge during the pandemic. Helped with a brief cultural and history introduction for doctors going to work on the reservation during the pandemic. Now working in a lab on optimizing engineering water systems for rural communities in Uganda. I also co-instruct a class called public speaking for engineers at Stanford.

Next Step: I hope to apply to medical school one day but for now I am enjoying learning about Global Health and exploring environmental engineering interventions. Amidst Climate Change, I feel that it’s critical to not only understand the impacts of the environment on health but also just as important to find effective ways to prevent health disparities through infrastructure and environment.

Q&A:

1. What drew you to the FDSRP?
When I first entered college, I didn’t know a whole lot about the pre-med pathway. Through alum, they suggested FDRSP.

2. What did you enjoy most about the FDSRP?
I loved shadowing the different specialty fields. It made the picture of becoming a doctor clearer to me. My favorite memory was when I did a 12-hour overnight shift in Salem in the ICU. Being able to experience what it would be like before medical school only confirmed my love for what I hope to do one day. Additionally, the mentor talks that happened every week during the program were very inspiring too.

3. Do you feel that FDSRP has helped you in your current career path? If so, how?
FDSRP was one of the most inspiring and helpful pre-med programs I ever attended. I was inspired by a presentation by the FDSRP Director about how our health disparities are preventable. It led me to be more curious about our environmental solutions and their impact on health. After the program, I knew that my pathway to medicine didn’t have to look the same another's and it gave me more courage to follow my own pathway.

4. Any advice you would give to incoming participants of the program or advice you would give yourself when you were starting the program?
I would say to take advantage of all of the opportunities at the program. Ask a lot of questions and remain curious. Stay in contact with those that inspire you. Utilize the program to learn about the pathway, gather supportive resources and make plans!

5. Is there any advice you would give to Native American students who are interested in attending medical school?
I am still on my way to medical school, but I would say this program is a good place to be if you are serious about attending medical school. It propelled me into the work I am doing now and showed me how possible the route is.

Alumni Spotlight: Victor Lopez-Carmen, FDSRP 2015

Education: Ithaca College (B.S. in Health Sciences and Chemistry) and Western Sydney University (MPH)

Current: 2nd year at Harvard Medical School

Next Step: Practicing medicine in his communities

Q&A:
1. What drew you to the FDSRP?

Before the FDSRP, I never had the opportunity to conduct research, be mentored by a Native American physician, or spend much time with other Native students interested in the field of medicine. The mentoring, research opportunities, and companionship were key aspects I felt I needed to experience to fully clarify my path forward.

2. What did you enjoy most about the FDSRP?

The skills and experience I gained working in a medical research laboratory for the first time. It was difficult at times, but it helped me gain the confidence I needed to know I could do well in a rigorous academic environment.

3. Do you feel that FDSRP has helped you in your current career path? If so, how?

The program integrated application advice and career advising sessions that made going to medical school feel much more realistic, and inspired me to apply to Harvard Medical School, where I currently go to school!

4. Any advice you would give to incoming participants of the program or advice you would give yourself when you were starting the program?

Go the extra mile in your research laboratory and maintain the connections you make after the program ends.

5. What has your experience been like as a Native American at HMS?

I come from two Native American Tribes, and for one of them, I will be the first physician in our history. No one like me has been at HMS ever before, and I always remember I am representing the native kids and upcoming generations, so that they have an easier path than I did. This is why I always keep my communities at the center and forefront, and do my best in the classroom, my advocacy work, and self-care, so I can be my best when I get to go back and contribute.

6. Is there any advice you would give to Native American students who are interested in attending HMS or medical school in general?

Do not be afraid to reach out to potential mentors, especially Native ones. I know firsthand there are not many Native Americans in the field of medicine, which is why mentoring is so important. Most Native American physicians I know love to give advice and help pay it forward for those who dream of being medical professionals as well. And please reach out to me if you have any questions about medical school (https://www.facebook.com/victor.lopezcarmen)!

Alumni Spotlight: Hunter Tolliver, FDSRP 2019

Undergraduate University: Oklahoma State University, Class of 2020, Magna Cum Laude, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Next Step: University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry, Class of 2024

2020 Ferguson College of Agriculture Senior of Distinction received an academic award from Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Q&A:
1. What drew you to FDSRP?

I thought it would be a fascinating opportunity to be with other Native American students who had similar interests as me. I was also drawn to the research aspect of the program, from which I gained critical experience. Additionally, I was able to build connections in healthcare and with the other students participating in the program.

2. What did you enjoy most about FDSRP?

A highlight of mine was to be around other Native American students with similar interests. I enjoyed hearing other student’s perspectives and life experiences that were unlike my own.

3. Do you feel that FDSRP has helped you in your current career path? If so, how?

I thought that FDSRP was an eye-opening experience in terms of the healthcare industry and the Native American experience in that field. FDSRP helped me create many connections. I increased my confidence in my ability to do research as well as public speaking. One critical aspect of the program was to do a final cumulative presentation on the research I completed. An additional highlight was the support I received from my mentors in research and public speaking skills.

4. Any advice you would give to incoming participants of the program or advice you would give yourself when you were starting the program?

Advice I would give to incoming participants of the program would be to take experiences all in. I would advise using the opportunities of the Boston area to your advantage. For example, I was able to arrange informational interviews from the healthcare field. As a dental student, I had to self-advocate to meet with people from my profession as well as other healthcare professionals.

Victor Lopez-Carmen, Harvard Medical School student and FDSRP alumn, speaks to COVID-19 and the impact it will have on Native American communities.

Native Communities Like Mine Are Particularly at Risk During This Pandemic We risk losing our elders, our languages, and our culture.