About

The UAB Department of Surgery Pre-College Research Internship for Scholarship and Mentoring (PRISM) provides promising high school students who are interested in careers in healthcare and medicine with hands-on research experiences under the mentorship of surgeons and their peers. The internship provides students with the experience and knowledge that 1) allows them to explore medical careers, particularly in the field of surgery, 2) helps them understand the impact that research has in improving patient care and patient outcomes and 3) provides students with an experience that makes them more competitive for admission to college.

Five students are selected for the program annually. Over the eight-week experience, students will complete a mentored research project. Research projects often involve a team approach involving students at other levels, including undergraduate students and medical students. The experience also includes learning experiences, such as seminars and workshops, and supplemental activities, including clinical shadowing, to expose students to clinical practice and surgical careers.