Harvard Visiting Clerkship Scholars Program (VCSP)
Boston, Massachusetts · Visiting Student (MD/DO)
Always confirm details on the official institution page before applying. Requirements, fees, and deadlines can change.
About this program
The Visiting Clerkship Scholars Program (VCSP), run by the HMS Office for Culture and Community Engagement, layers structured mentorship, leadership development, and community engagement on top of a standard HMS visiting clerkship. It is aimed at fourth-year and qualified third-year students from groups underrepresented in medicine or from disadvantaged backgrounds who have demonstrated service leadership. Participants rotate at a Harvard-affiliated teaching hospital and join a cohort for additional programming. The companion Visiting Clerkship Program (VCP) provides similar support through the HMS Exchange Clerkship Program. Applicants complete a supplemental application in addition to the standard HMS VSLO visiting student application. Selection is competitive and cohort-based. VCSP is one of the most well-known equity-focused visiting clerkship pipelines in the country.
AAMC VSLO platform
Applications submitted through your home medical school's Dean's office.
Quick highlights
Strong points
- Stipend-payingReceives a paid stipend (rare for IMG observerships)
- Certificate of completionIssued on successful program completion
Watch for
- INTL not eligibleProgram is US LCME/COCA only — no IMG pathway
- VSLO platform requiredYour home medical school must participate in AAMC VSLO
- USMLE Step requiredStep 1 or COMLEX Level 1 strongly encouraged
Fees, duration & what it costs
What's included
- 4-week clinical block with wrap-around programming of structured clinical experience
- Placement in Multi-specialty (emphasis on health-equity mentorship)
- Direct supervision by attending faculty
- Rounds, case discussions, and bedside teaching participation
- Certificate of completion at end of program
How to apply
- Confirm eligibility with your home Dean's office.Verify your school participates in VSLO and that you have completed any required core clerkships.
- Open the program's official Visiting Students page.Review the current elective catalog, available specialties, and any program-specific forms.
- Submit your application through the AAMC VSLO platform.Your home Dean's office handles the submission. Include the Dean's letter of permission and any required documentation.
- Wait for the program to assign your rotation.Lead time varies by demand. Programs review on a rolling or cohort schedule (see Lead time tile above).
- Complete pre-arrival onboarding.Health clearance, malpractice attestation, immunization documentation, and orientation are coordinated by the program before your start date.
Available specialties
Eligibility requirements
4th-year or qualified 3rd-year US medical students from URiM or disadvantaged backgrounds.
USMLE / COMLEX: Step 1 or COMLEX Level 1 strongly encouraged
Graduation year: Class of 2027
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