Presidential Scholars

About the Program

The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and Charleston School of Law (CSL) students interested in exploring complex social, political, and human issues related to healthcare are invited to apply to become a Presidential Scholar.

The Presidential Scholars Program is a yearlong interprofessional experience in a format that maximizes student participation and interaction with selected faculty scholars from each MUSC college and CSL.

Participation Requirements

Must be able to participate in-person for both the Fall and Spring semesters of the academic year
Commit to one (1) in-person monthly meeting (dress code: business casual)
Participate in team project work
Attend annual Special Events, which include:

o Presidential Scholars Day

o Dinner with the University President

o Service event at Carolina Youth Development Center (CYDC)

Application Instructions

Eligibility:

Any MUSC or CSL student who is in good academic standing [cumulative 3.00 GPA] may apply to the Presidential Scholars Program. Due to the demands of the program on students’ time, rising fourth-year medical students will not be considered. Students must be able to participate for both the Fall and Spring semesters of the academic year.

Application Process & Selection Criteria:

Applications will be available on February 1st. Application with required materials must be submitted online no later than 11:59 PM on March 1st. Please see the PSP Handbook for application requirements and selection criteria.

Student Application Instructions

Presidential Scholars: Participation Requirements?

Must be able to participate in-person for both the Fall and Spring semesters of the academic year
Commit to an average of one (1) in-person monthly meeting
Participate in team project work

Attend annual Special Events, which include:

o Presidential Scholars Day

o Dinner with the University President

o Service event at Carolina Youth Development Center (CYDC)

Presidential Scholars: Who can apply?

Any MUSC or Charleston School of Law student who is in good academic standing may apply to the Raymond S. Greenberg Presidential Scholars Program. However, due to the demands of the program on students' time, we will not be accepting rising 4th year medical students.

Scholars Application Process

A. Good Academic Standing

A cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher is desirable for application to the Scholars Program. GPA
January start BSN students may apply without a MUSC G.P.A. with Dean's Office Approval.
Students should not be on academic probation or have academic deficiencies

B. Essay of Interest

Students will submit an essay describing why they are interested in the Scholars Program and what unique experiences or qualities they would bring to the program.
Essays should not exceed one page (8.5 " x 11" with one inch margins, 11-12 point font)

C. Letter of Support

One (1) letter of support from a faculty member at your current university, on official letter head, that includes the faculty member’s position/title, rank, and departmental affiliation.
Letters should comment on the applicant's interest in the program, accomplishments and personal characteristics that support the application.
Address the letter of support to the Presidential Scholars Program Selection Committee.

D. Transcript from MUSC or Charleston School of Law

(unofficial acceptable; must include most recent Fall semester)

E. Curriculum Vitae or Resume

Faculty Application Instructions

One faculty member from each academic area may serve as a faculty advisor. Faculty serve for three years.

Raymond S. Greenberg Presidential Scholars Program Goals: To help students:

Engage in an challenging and provocative dialogue on issues related to health care
Develop appreciation for other disciplines
Understand the impact of interprofessional collaboration on patient care
Appreciate the complexities of difficult human and social issues
Gain greater insight into the nature of ongoing change in health care
Understand and appreciate divergent views
Heighten awareness of their own values in the context of their professional responsibilities
Learn to use new ideas and sources of knowledge to establish creative lifelong learning patterns

Characteristics of Faculty Scholars

Interest in interprofessional education and broad issues transcending professional boundaries
Demonstrated ability to relate well to students and facilitate student led group learning
Demonstrated interest in and experiences related to the goals of the Scholars Program
Ability to fulfill the requirements of the program

Description of Application Materials

Faculty statement of interest should not exceed one page; 8.5’’ x 11’’, 11-12 font. Include the reasons for wanting to be involved in the Program and any special experiences that may uniquely qualify them.
Letter of Support from a current or past Scholar, Faculty Collaborator, or Dean.Support letters should comment on the nominee’s interest in the program and unique accomplishments and personal characteristics that address the desired characteristics of a faculty scholar. Address the letter of support to the Presidential Scholars Program Selection Committee.
Curriculum Vitae or Resume

Interested faculty should contact the PSP Director, Dr. Donna Reinbeck.

Fellows Application Process

Outgoing Presidential Scholars have the opportunity to serve a second year in the program as a Presidential Scholars Fellow. The Fellows serve in an advisory capacity to the PSP teams, and participate in the PSP Advisory Committee. Each year 6-10 Presidential Scholars Fellows will be selected. To be eligible, Fellows must maintain affiliation with MUSC or CSL for the fall and spring semesters of the Fellowship year. Fellow selection will be made by the Advisory Committee based on the Fellow’s potential to: 1) mentor the next cohort of Presidential Scholars, 2) commitment to the Presidential Scholars Program, and 3) Interest in interprofessional collaboration.

Interested applicants for a fellowship must submit a statement of interest (1-page maximum) to the online application portal.