Project LEAD
Medical Student Program
The Leadership Education And Development of Underrepresented in Medicine Medical Students Project (Project LEAD) is an initiative of the RRF and the ACR that seeks to engage and educate medical students from underrepresented backgrounds through a series of 90-minute virtual roundtable sessions focused on rheumatology, work life balance, and preparing for a fellowship. These sessions are led by an ACR member rheumatologist from a traditionally underrepresented backgrounds.
Details About Project LEAD
RRF in collaboration with the ACR, is pleased to announce a new opportunity for ten (10) underrepresented in medicine (URiM) medical students who have an expressed interest in rheumatology, primary care, and internal medicine to participate in the Project LEAD cohort. Selected Project LEAD students are required to attend 3–4 virtual roundtable discussions.
Student applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Must be enrolled as a second, third, or fourth-year student in an MD, DO, or MD-PhD medical school program at an accredited institution.
- Must self-identify as underrepresented in medicine (URiM).
- Must have proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English.
Networking opportunities with medical students from across the country and rheumatology leaders
Gain in-depth understanding of rheumatology, including the research, treatments, and innovations and opportunities for practice
Connect with leading rheumatologists, researchers, and fellow students, fostering valuable professional relationships
Access to experienced rheumatologists from diverse backgrounds, offering guidance and support for career development.
Explore potential career paths within rheumatology and receive advice on navigating medical specialties as a URiM student.
Increase visibility within the medical community, potentially opening doors to preceptorships, fellowships, and other opportunities
Gain access to Student Incentives such as gift cards (up to $75 per student) during participation.
Access to educational and travel scholarships including opportunities to attend ACR educational meetings.
Scholarship opportunity to attend ACR educational meetings and events such ACR Convergence in Orlando, Florida.
Student and Resident ACR Convergence Scholarship
Medical and Graduate Student Preceptorship
ACR Convergence, the ACR's annual meeting
Selection Criteria
Preference given to students attending schools without a strong link to a department of rheumatology, additional preference will be given to students enrolled at HBCUs or MSIs as identified by the U.S. Department of Education.
Review Process
The Project LEAD Scholarship Review Process is designed to ensure a fair, thorough, and efficient evaluation of medical student applications. All applications are reviewed by members of the ACR Collaborative Initiatives Committee, which oversees this project.
December 2025/2026
- Identification and engagement of MSI/HBCU Medical and School of Health Professions
- Promotion to current HBCU students on scholarships for ACR Convergence 2026
February–March 2026
- Selection of students for cohort participation
March–May 2026
- 2026 Cohort Orientation
- Medical student(s) will participate in a 3–4 (60–90 minute) virtual rheumatology themed roundtable discussion(s) and submit evaluation materials following each session for incentive (up to $75)
May–August 2026
ACR will engage and encourage selected Project Lead medical student(s) to apply and/or participate in the following scholarship opportunities:
- Student and Resident ACR Convergence Scholarship
- Attendance at half-day Choose Rheumatology event held in conjunction with ACR Convergence
The deadline to apply is February 20, 2026.
What is the target audience for this project?
- The target audience includes medical students attending historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) with an emphasis on 2nd, 3rd and 4th year medical students who have an express interest in rheumatology, primary care, and internal medicine.
How many students will be selected?
- At least ten (10) students will be accepted into each cohort
Who can provide a letter of support?
- A faculty member at your institution
How can I find out more information about rheumatology as a profession?
Can medical students become ACR members for free?
- Yes, learn more about ACR/ARP membership
What scholarships are available?