What is the Academic Scholar Year (ASY)?
The Academic Scholar Year (ASY) is a designated status for Geisel medical students who have been approved to pursue a structured program of rigorous academic, scholarly, or research activity. Students in ASY are classified as full-time, non-resident students in good academic standing.
ASY proposals must go through an official approval process to ensure that the planned scholarly work meets institutional standards for rigor, structure, and educational value.
Who does this policy apply to?
This policy applies to all Geisel medical students. The current ASY policy applies to the Class of 2028 and later (students completing their M3/Phase 2 year in the 2026–2027 academic year and beyond).
Students in the Class of 2027 or earlier, or those who completed their M3/Phase 2 year prior to 2026–2027, will continue to follow the previous version of the ASY policy. Students who already have an approved ASY under the prior policy will also remain under those original terms.
The ASY supports students in pursuing meaningful scholarly work, including research, academic projects, and other structured educational experiences. It provides dedicated time for intellectual exploration and professional development beyond the standard curriculum.
This experience is designed to strengthen students’ academic growth, critical thinking, and contributions to medicine and science.
Accreditation Alignment
The ASY policy aligns with LCME Standard 3.2 – Community of Scholars/Research Opportunities, which emphasizes that medical education should occur in an environment that fosters intellectual inquiry and provides students with opportunities, encouragement, and support to engage in faculty research and scholarly activity.
Learn More
To learn more about ASY requirements, eligibility, and the approval process, students are encouraged to review the details carefully before submitting their application. Please click here Academic Scholar Year Policy
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Academic Scholar Year Opportunities (DH/Geisel)
Some Geisel students choose to take an additional year to engage in scholarly work within a department or section at Dartmouth-Hitchcock (DH) or The Dartmouth Institute (TDI). Below are some of the opportunities available:
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Molecular or Cellular Biology: Stephen Marsh Tenney Fellowship
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Public Health (MPH/MS) at TDI
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Pathology: William Grossman Fellowship
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Department of Radiation Oncology and Applied Sciences (DROAS) Student Research Handbook , 2024 Dartmouth Medical Student Research Guide V0.5
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Diagnostic Radiology: Samuel D. Pressman Fellowship / Robert Jeffrey Fellowship
If you have a preference for research in a specific specialty or location, we recommend exploring the websites of specialty societies or hospitals in that area. For example, if you are interested in orthopedic surgery in New York City, you might visit the Hospital for Special Surgery’s website as well as the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons for medical student research opportunities.
For more information or to get connected, please reach out directly to the departments or visit the medical student research office in Remsen.
Posted Sep/25/2025
Radiation Onc Medical Student Research Fellowship
Geisel medical students interested in pursuing a dedicated research year in Radiation Oncology are invited to apply for the Radiation Oncology Medical Student Research Fellowship. The fellowship provides a $35,000 grant (including a $32,000 stipend) and offers structured mentorship, research experience, and career development under the guidance of Dr. Charles R. Thomas, Jr., Chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology and Applied Sciences.
- Duration: 12 months maximum (10 minimum)
- Offered: medical students
- Faculty: Charles R. Thomas, Jr., MD
Applications for the 2026–2027 academic year are due January 1, 2026.
More information : See the attached document for full fellowship details Rad_Onc_Medical_Student_Research_Fellowship_Description_2026_27
Posted Sep/25/2025
Stephen Marsh Tenney, M.D., Medical Student Fellowship
Geisel medical students interested in pursuing a dedicated research year are invited to apply for the Stephen Marsh Tenney, M.D., Medical Student Fellowship. The fellowship provides a $43,000 grant ($40,000 stipend and $3,000 for research expenses) and supports full-time research with faculty mentorship. Established in honor of former dean Dr. Tenney, the award reflects his legacy of encouraging medical student research.
Applications for the 2026–2027 academic year are due January 1, 2026.
More Information : See the attached document for full fellowship details. Tenney 2026-2027
Posted Sep/12/2025
Robert Jeffery Fellowship
The Robert F. Jeffery Student Fellowship in Radiology is a one-year opportunity for M3 and M4 Geisel students at DHMC , combining clinical, educational, and research experiences. Recipients receive an annual stipend.
Application Deadline: December 15 (for the following year)
Learn More: See the attached document for full fellowship details. Robert-Jeffery-Fellowship-in-Radiology-2026-27