The ASCI Postbaccalaureate Program

In This Section
In This Section

The ASCI Postbaccalaureate Program

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 2025-2027 ASCI Postbaccalaureate cycle are open and are expected to close in March 2025. 

A successful ASCI Postbac applicant:

  • Is a college graduate, either in their last year of undergraduate study or who has received a bachelor’s degree within two (2) years at the time of submission.
  • Should be prepared to submit two letters of recommendation as well as a curriculum vitae (CV), undergraduate transcript, and 250-word personal essay.
  • Will have plans to apply to medical school during their second year of the ASCI Postbac Program.

Program Details:

  • Host laboratories will be solicited from the ASCI membership and the ASCI will match Postbacs to host labs through an internal selection process.
  • 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.
  • In collaboration with the American Physician Scientists Association (APSA), Postbacs will also be assigned a peer mentor who is a current medical student and can advise on the medical school application process (AMCAS), MCAT preparation, and related application tips.
  • 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:
  • 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 track record.
  • Postbacs will require a physician-scientist postdoctoral fellow to provide daily mentoring.
  • 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.