Visiting Medical Student Diversity Scholarship

About

This program is geared toward 4th-year AAN member US medical students who plan to pursue a neurology visiting student rotation at a LCME/AOA approved US medical school or the National Institutes of Health. It aims to address systemic barriers limiting access for underrepresented groups in medicine. It also aims to support those students who demonstrate a particular commitment to addressing disparities in neurologic care, improving access, and addressing barriers to care among underserved communities. 

Note: students need to apply and provide proof of acceptance into a Neurology visiting student program to receive the AAN support. Dates of acceptance into a Neurology visiting student program are January 1 – November 28, 2025.  

Benefits

The AAN will provide $2000 to supplement the expenses for the elective rotation.  

Eligibility

Description and Eligibility  

The AAN Medical Student Diversity Programs intentionally aim to choose a broad range of applicants that reflect the diversity of both the population and the communities we engage with.  We strongly encourage applicants from various backgrounds to apply, embracing diversity in factors such as race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, and individuals with disabilities.

* if you have unique circumstances and feel you are an exception to the eligibility criteria for this program, please contact us.

1. 4th-year AAN member medical students
2. Students must be in good standing at a United States (US) LCME/AOA-accredited medical school.  
3. The visiting student program should be located at a US LCME/AOA-accredited medical school or the National Institutes of Health.
4. The rotation cannot be at the student’s home school.
5. Students must apply directly to the school offering the visiting student program. The AAN does not guarantee placement.  
6. The AAN will provide the students with $2,000 each to help offset the costs of this visiting student program. Half of the funds will be given when the rotation starts, and half will be given after proof of completion of the program. Proof of participation is required before the AAN will issue any funds. 
7. Recipients must be willing to provide follow-up contact information, feedback on the experience, and a reflection of how this opportunity helped them in making their eventual specialty and residency program choices as well as how this opportunity furthered their understanding of a particular underserved community or health inequity or helped them identify a specific need in the community they were previously unaware of. 
8. Rotations should be more than 3 weeks in duration.  
9. Students accepted in a visiting program after January 1, 2025, are eligible to apply.  
10. Students applying for this scholarship must provide proof of application for the rotation. Multiple proofs of applications may be submitted, and proofs of application can include materials from VSLO. Students awaiting a decision can apply but must send proof of approval before June 6 to be considered.
11. Must complete rotations by November 28, 2025. 
12. Must send proof of completion by December 5, 2025, or a refund will be requested.
13. If the rotation is not completed, the student will have to return the first half of the payment received.  
14. Preference will be given to students from schools without a required neurology experience .
15. Preference will be given to students who have demonstrated a particular commitment to addressing disparities in neurologic care, improving access to care, or addressing barriers to care in their communities.  

The AAN application process is online; requirements include:

1. Applicant questions:
   • Academic achievements
   • A self-reflection on a lived experience, whether personal or professional, that has shaped their interest in health care equity and delivery. This may include how aspects of their own race, identity, or background have influenced their perspectives, opportunities, or challenges.  
   • Plans to maximize the visiting student program opportunity. Highlight if current attendance is at a medical school without a dedicated neurology clerkship 4th year or elective and why a neurology visiting student program rotation is being sought. If the student’s medical school has a neurology clerkship, explain why a rotation at another school is being sought.
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Proof of Acceptance from the visiting school: Students must apply directly to the school offering the visiting student program. Proof of acceptance is required before the AAN will issue any funds.
4. Proof of good standing: Applicant must provide the contact of a faculty member who can certify that the applicant is in good standing at their institution. 

Application Timeline

April 21, 2025 - June 6, 2025

Questions?

Ria Geguera, rgeguera@aan.com

Apply Today