Applications for Dermatology Underrepresented in Medicine (DURM) Visiting Medical Student Stipends are open now through August 1st for a four-week rotation in September, October, or November, of 2025.
The DURM Stipend provides funding for URM students to experience the outstanding training program at the UNM Department of Dermatology. Two accepted students will receive a stipend of $2,000 each to cover the costs of application, housing, transportation, and other living expenses.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until August 1, 2025 through the Visiting Student Application Service (VSLO) for medical students attending LCME and AACOM accredited US medical schools. To be eligible to receive the stipend, students must have been accepted to rotate at UNM through VSLO and have submitted a complete application.
Please complete your application and email Kathy Freise, kfreise@salud.unm.edu, when you have done so.
"Underrepresented in medicine means those racial and ethnic populations that are underrepresented in the medical profession relative to their numbers in the general population."
In New Mexico, this includes students who identify as African Americans and/or Black, Hispanic/Latino, Native American (American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians), Pacific Islander, Vietnamese, and mainland Puerto Rican. The definition also refers to students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds.
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Fabiola Ramirez
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Being awarded this stipend is deeply meaningful to me. This award acknowledges the unique challenges that underrepresented minorities like me face and opens doors that might otherwise remain closed due to systemic barriers. UNM’s strong commitment to recognizing and addressing the diverse needs of the population they serve is evident not just through this award, but through the program’s continuous efforts to foster an inclusive environment. During my month-long rotation, I was impressed by the genuinely kind and supportive environment fostered by the entire team. Their passion for providing high-quality care and serving the New Mexico community is evident, and I felt very fulfilled from my patient interactions throughout the experience. With limited representation in dermatology, awards like this one are crucial to ensure that future dermatologists reflect the diverse communities we aim serve. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to care for the wonderful people of New Mexico. Thank you!
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Chelsea PelayoDO Candidate | Class of 2025 Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine Las Cruces, NM |
The program’s dedication to education and academic curiosity, all in service of providing the best possible patient care, has left a lasting impression on me. I am in awe of the collegiality, the compassionate staff, and the unparalleled hands-on learning opportunities I was privileged to participate in.
My time here has also deepened my understanding of the vital role dermatologic care plays in addressing the unique needs of patients in New Mexico. As a first-generation Latina, I was thrilled to be able to practice in dedication to bilingual language concordance in service to the patients of New Mexico.
It is no wonder that UNM Dermatology is such a special place. I leave with immense gratitude for this experience and look forward to carrying the lessons I’ve learned here into my future endeavors.
In Summary:
Working with the amazing UNM Dermatology team left a lasting impression through their collegiality and supportive environment, as well as the hands-on clinical experiences that spanned rural health and had a statewide impact in New Mexico. With the generous support of this scholarship, I was honored to provide bilingual clinical care, guided by UNM Dermatology’s unwavering dedication to serving patients of all backgrounds. This experience has truly inspired me and deepened my appreciation for the vital role of dermatologic care in promoting health equity within the field and across our communities.
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to rotate at the University of New Mexico. These past four weeks have been an incredible learning experience, and it has been a privilege to be part of such a welcoming and supportive team. I want to emphasize that the University of New Mexico is my top choice for residency.
I was particularly inspired by the diverse and medically underserved patient population that UNM serves. I want to train at an institution that will allow me to continue building on the skills and knowledge to better serve this community. Many times during my rotation, I felt a strong connection with my patients, as if I were caring for my own family.
Medical Education Program Specialist
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Kathy Freise Department of Dermatology 1 University of New Mexico MSC07 4240 Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001 505-272-6000 |
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1001 Medical Arts Ave. Albuquerque, NM 87131 |
