The ASCI Postbaccalaureate (Postbac) Program aims to increase the number of physician-scientists entering the physician-science pipeline. Each year, two college graduates are selected for a two-year mentored research experience in an ASCI-member host laboratory. Postbacs attend and present at both AAP/ASCI/APSA Joint Meetings during their term, and are be expected to co-author papers on their research. By the end of the program, Postbacs are prepared with the experience, confidence, and research acumen necessary to become competitive MD or MD-PhD candidates.
Nominations for the 2026–2028 cycle are open through March 31, 2026.
A successful ASCI Postbac applicant:
- Is a college graduate who has received a bachelor’s degree within two (2) years at the time of submission or an expected graduate in the last year of undergraduate study.
- Is prepared to submit two letters of recommendation as well as a curriculum vitae (CV), undergraduate transcript, and 750-word personal essay.
- Plans to apply to medical school during their second year of the ASCI Postbac Program.
Program details:
- ASCI members nominate candidates they are willing to host during the program term.
- If you are a qualified Postbac candidate interested in connecting with an ASCI Member to express your interest in this program, click here to view our searchable member directory.
- The ASCI will provide grants to host institutions for Postbac salaries and health benefits as well as a stipend for one MCAT preparatory course (AAMC MCAT Official Prep Complete Bundle or UWorld MCAT Prep) and MCAT exam fees.
- Postbacs will be paired with a current physician-scientist trainee (e.g., a PSTP trainee) in their principal investigator’s lab to receive daily mentoring and guidance while benefiting from early mentoring opportunities.
- Postbacs will attend the AAP/ASCI/APSA Joint Meeting in both program years to present their research and network with peers, near peers, and AAP, ASCI, and APSA members. Invited events include:
- Early Career Award Welcome Reception,
- ASCI Dinner and New Member Induction Ceremony,
- Food & Science Evening, and
- ASCI/AAIM/BWF Research Pathway Directors Workshop.
- In collaboration with the ASCI, a faculty member at the host institution familiar with medical school admissions will provide one-on-one feedback on the applicant’s essays/personal statement.
- Both the ASCI and the host institution will provide opportunities for networking, enrichment, and career development activities.
Host laboratory criteria:
- The lab’s principal investigator must be an ASCI member with a proven mentorship record.
- The laboratory must ensure that a physician-scientist postdoctoral fellow is assigned to provide daily mentoring for the selected Posbac.
- The host institution must be able to offer career development programs and opportunities.
Contact:
For information or questions, contact us at programs@the-asci.org.