About Gateways
In 1993, the Tri-Institutional MD-PhD Program was the first MD-PhD Program in the country to establish a summer program for undergraduates from underrepresented minority and socioeconomically disadvantaged backrounds with a focus on the clinician-scientist pathway.
As of 2024, 384 students have “graduated” from Gateways. Over 90% of Gateways alumni have either earned are pursuing an MD, MD-PhD, or PhD degree, inlcuding 22 who have graduated from or are currently enrolled at Tri-I.
Program Highlights
Every year, 15 students spend nine weeks learning about the rewards and challenges of becoming a physician-scientist.
Over the summer, Gateways students will:
- Spend 9 weeks living and studying in New York City
- Work independently on a research project at Weill Cornell Medicine, The Rockefeller University, or Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- Receive guidance from a current MD-PhD student (a "Big Sib")
- Participate in clinical skills and professional development workshops
- Participate and present in weekly journal clubs
- Shadow physicians at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
- Volunteer at a community outreach program
- Give oral and poster presentations about their research at The Leadership Alliance National Symposium and the final Gateways Symposium
Financial Support and Housing
Gateways participants are housed on the Weill Cornell campus, steps away from their research labs. Paticipants receive a $6,000 stipend, as well as reimbursement for travel to and from NYC.
Family members are invited to NYC for the final research presentations. Travel support and accommodations are available.
Important Dates
Applications for the 2025 Gateways Program must be submitted before February 1, 2025 via The Leadership Alliance.
The 2025 program will run from June 2 through August 1, 2025.