The Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute Research Scholars Program offers research opportunities for undergraduate students and recent graduates pursuing a medical degree. The 12-week program runs from May through August and provides select candidates with professional neuroscience research development. Participants gain:

  • In-depth research opportunities
  • Mentorship from leading neuroscience physicians
  • Educational workshops
  • First-hand experience in neuroscience

Participants in the Research Scholars Program will participate in active research studies and attend weekly educational workshops. Participants will also receive a mentor in their area of interest, such as neurosurgery, physiatry, neuroradiology, interventional neuroradiology, radiation oncology or rehabilitation medicine.

Program mentors are leaders in their field and give participants unparalleled perspective into the neurosciences. Recent program mentors include:

At the end of the program, participants will give an oral presentation about their experience to the Baptist Health community and its generous donors who fund the program.

Program participants contribute to their projects approximately 20 hours a week and receive compensation for the 12-week period.

Program Size

3 Scholars accepted each year

Michael McDermott, M.D.

Program Director

Starlie Belnap, Ph.D.

Program Coordinator

Starlie Belnap, Ph.D.

Featured Training Sites

Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute

Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute

Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute, part of Baptist Health Brain & Spine Care, is invested in cutting-edge technology and focused on providing the most advanced techniques and treatments. We have over two dozen physicians across eight locations and perform over 1,500 surgeries each year. We’re also dedicated to advancing care through research. Our team offers more than 30 clinical research studies, bringing the latest treatments to Miami-Dade and surrounding counties.



Eligibility Requirements and Application Schedule

Our program recruits, trains and retains excellent healthcare professionals to serve the South Florida community. Program participants will be trained to be collaborative, culturally competent and patient- and family-centered professionals who follow the guiding principles of service, quality knowledge and diversity.

Eligibility Prerequisites

  • Current junior or senior enrolled in college or university, or a recent graduate (graduated within the last year)
  • Complete a CITI (Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative) unit

Application Requirements

  • High school diploma
  • College and/or University transcripts
  • CITI unit certificate
  • Personal statement
  • Two letters of recommendation (academic association is preferred)
Acceptance and admission to the program is contingent on submission of all requested materials and meeting all eligibility requirements as determined by the program.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Application Timeline

  • Where do applicants go to apply? Careers.BaptistHealth.net
  • When are applications accepted? December through January
  • When are candidate interviews? February through March
  • When are candidates matched/notified of acceptance? March via email
  • When does the program start? May

“For an undergrad, being able to work in neurosurgery is hard to do. This program made me want to pursue a career in neurosurgery.”

-Lucas Martinez, Research Scholar

After completing the program, Lucas returned to Vanderbilt University to work in their neurosurgery labs and started a nonprofit to improve stroke outcomes. He plans to attend medical school in Miami.


Life in South Florida

Sunny days, warm people, and multicultural community - these await you when you join us at Baptist Health South Florida.

Together we’re unstoppable.

As a mission-driven, not-for-profit organization, philanthropy makes the difference between what we can do and what we must do to impact the lives of patients.

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