The Four Directions Summer Research Program (FDSRP) is a unique summer research opportunity at Harvard Medical School (HMS) and Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) for undergraduate rising sophomores, juniors and seniors with a commitment to the health of Native American communities. Students engage in a basic science research project under the direction of a Harvard Medical School Faculty Mentor. Additional activities include clinical shadowing, career development seminars, weekly Talking Circles, networking events and more. Upon completion of the program, students leave BWH and HMS with new skills, experiences and knowledge that can be used to empower themselves, their communities and future generations of Native peoples from all Four Directions.

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Our Mission

The mission of the Four Directions Summer Research Program (FDSRP) is to train the next generation of leaders in Native American health care. With the support of our Office for Research Careers (ORC), FDSRP is able to prepare students with mentoring, networking, and hands on research experience under the guidance of Harvard Medical School faculty.

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Our Goals

To provide students with tools, information and opportunities on their journey to becoming physicians, researchers and public health professionals; as well as role models and teachers in the academic community. To create an extensive network of health professionals dedicated to Indigenous Health Care that will serve as a venue for knowledge sharing, nationwide mentoring and advocacy. To cultivate students’ understanding and awareness of Native American health issues and minority health issues more broadly.

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Our History

The Four Directions Summer Research Program was founded by Native American students attending Harvard Medical School. These students shared a common vision of increasing educational and career opportunities for promising Native American students. With the help of a few devoted medical school faculty, the program was launched in 1994 with the successful enrollment of 6 students for the first summer. FDSRP is now in its 28th year and has brought over 200 students to Harvard Medical School during this time.

• Anyone with a demonstrated commitment to the health of Native American communities is welcome to apply to our program.
  
• However, we strongly encourage Native American/Alaskan Native students to apply.