In-Person Program Start: June 1, 2026

Program End: July 30, 2026

THE PROGRAM: Are you interested in conducting research this summer on a child-health related topic that you are curious and passionate about? Then this innovative program may be for you!

WHO CAN APPLY: Undergraduate, medical, and graduate students, residents, fellows

PROGRAM DELIVERABLES:

• Abstract submission
• Presentation at a scientific meeting
• Submission of a first-authored manuscript to peer-reviewed journal

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:

• Eight weeks of an in-person, paid internship

• Autonomously design your research project under guidance of a faculty mentor

• Near-Peer Coach Mentoring (NPCM)©

• Develop research skills emphasizing autonomy and critical and creative thinking

• Pediatrics-specific skills course and career-enhancing activities

• Present a poster at the Summer Research Symposium

• Continue to be involved in research after the summer to see your project to completion

WHERE: Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC (in person)

QUESTIONS? Email: TRACAHWFB@advocatehealth.org **Note that this program cannot provide housing!**

Designed to foster the development of enduring research skills in child health, the TRAC program places particular focus on promoting independence and critical thinking among participants. One of the unique aspects of TRAC is its innovative Near-Peer Coach-Mentoring© approach that emphasizes horizontal mentoring relationships and encourages problem solving and networking among program participants. Beginning with acceptance into the program, participants start to conceptualize, design, and implement their own research project idea to address an aspect of child health. They will select a WFUSM faculty coach-mentor with expertise relevant to their research project who will provide guidance and feedback. The two month-long in-person summer program encompasses work on their own research projects, a child-health relevant skills course, weekly TRAC group meetings, regulatory training, and professional development activities to help prepare participants for their next career goals. Networking and social events connect participants across many WFUSM summer programs. TRAC leadership provides continued support during and after the program. Limited continued program involvement throughout the following academic year is expected and entails participation in virtual monthly meetings and asynchronous work on research projects that fits individual schedules. This allows participants to see their research project to completion and achieve the program goals: Supported by TRAC, participants will present posters at the WFUSM Research Symposium, submit an abstract to attend a professional society meeting, and submit a first authored manuscript to a peer-reviewed journal to demonstrate their research achievements.

APPLICATION LINK: https://redcap.school.wakehealth.edu/surveys/?s=34C9NECT8NDKHKD4