FAQs - The Robert A. Winn Excellence in Clinical Trials Award Program

Q: Do I have to be a 1st year Medical Student in order to apply?

Current 1st - 3rd year Medical Students are all encouraged to apply!

Q: Can I apply for the program if I am on a leave of absence from my Medical School or if I am taking a GAP or research year?

In order to be eligible for the Winn CIPP, applicants must currently be enrolled full-time in a US accredited Medical School. Students may not be on a leave of absence, in a GAP year, or in a research year. Once students are again enrolled full-time, they will then be eligible to apply for the following cycle.

Q: Are there any citizenship requirements in order to be eligible for the program?

US citizens, US permanent residents, and students with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) approval are all eligible to apply for Winn CIPP. Proof of status may be required upon acceptance.

Q: What are the Primary Mentor qualifications?

Primary Mentors must hold an MD, DO, MD/PhD, or DO/PhD. Mentors from an academic institution must hold a position as an associate or full professor. Mentors are expected to be established Clinical Investigators with an active clinical trial that the scholar can work on during the two-year program period.

Q: Can I apply if I am conducting clinical trials internationally?

Yes, applicants who are doing global clinical trials can apply as long as they are employed by a US institution, and meet all other eligibility criteria.

Q: What kinds of site projects can I expect to work on while participating in Winn CIPP?

Projects will vary by site but generally include community needs assessments and implementation of patient initiatives (e.g., education, outreach, and/or informational programs). Sites will provide the goal and objectives of the project, but students will have input into design, activities, etc. Examples of projects completed by previous cohorts included the following: Analyses of ongoing clinical trial enrollment methods and demographics Assessing vaccine accessibility and availability in underserved communities Developing models to increase patient accessibility to treatment (e.g., cancer, mental health, congenital disorders)

Do I have to be a 1st year Medical Student in order to apply?

Sara Furlong2025-10-14T08:28:25-05:00October 14, 2025|

Can I apply for the program if I am on a leave of absence from my Medical School or if I am taking a GAP or research year?

Sara Furlong2025-10-14T08:27:45-05:00October 14, 2025|