Bridging Excellence and Access in Medicine (BEAM) Scholars Visiting Elective Program
We are excited to announce a call for applications for the Bridging Excellence and Access in Medicine (BEAM) Scholars Visiting Elective Program. The program provides scholarships to recruit individuals committed to promoting access to health care to fourth-year elective rotations in the Long School of Medicine at UT Health San Antonio. The BEAM Scholars Visiting Elective Program aims to develop and prepare a medical workforce focused on broadening health care access to medically underserved populations and under-resourced communities. The scholarship is funded by the Office of Academic Opportunity and Educational Excellence and is supported by the Office of the Dean.
Program Overview
The goal of the BEAM Scholars Visiting Elective Program is to recruit senior medical students interested in addressing health access disparities and preparing them for competitive residency programs at UT Health San Antonio. The program provides a traditional elective rotation experience complemented by professional development, networking, mentorship, and access to a supportive community of other BEAM Scholars.
For more information on this program or senior elective rotations, please email beam@uthscsa.edu.
The BEAM Scholars Visiting Elective Program is open to rising fourth-year medical students in good academic standing at an LCME-accredited medical school or COCA-accredited osteopathic medical school and actively progressing toward the M.D. or D.O. degree at that school. In addition, applicants must demonstrate a commitment to improving the health of historically underserved patient populations and communities with the greatest need.
Applicants must be independently accepted into a UT Health San Antonio visiting elective rotation during one of three elective blocks: Block 2: 08/04/25 – 08/29/25 OR Block 3: 09/01/25 – 09/26/25 OR Block 4: 09/29/25 – 10/24/25 of the current application cycle.
Additional information about each elective is available on the GME website.
| Anesthesiology | Ophthalmology |
| Dermatology | Orthopaedic Surgery |
| Diagnostic Radiology | Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery |
| Emergency Medicine | Pathology - Anatomical Clinical |
| Family Medicine | Pediatrics |
| General Surgery | Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation |
| Internal Medicine | Plastic Surgery |
| Interventional Radiology - Independent | Psychiatry |
| Neurological Surgery | Radiation Oncology |
| Neurology | Thoracic Surgery - Integrated |
| Obstetrics & Gynecology | Urology |
2025 Clinical Block Dates:
August 4 – August 29 OR September 1 – September 26 OR September 29 – October 24
Rotations are four weeks in duration. This program is earmarked for these clinical blocks only and are subject to space availability.
Each student will be paired with a resident ambassador that will serve as a mentor and advisor.
Additional program highlights include:
- Social programming with current house staff
- A first-hand look at Joe R. & Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine residency programs
- Preparedness for residency application season
- Experience the vibrant San Antonio community
The program will provide a $2000 scholarship to support costs associated with participation (i.e., travel, lodging, meal expenses). Scholarships are awarded in a single check before the end of the rotation.
The scholarship is funded by the Office of Academic Opportunity and Educational Excellence and is supported by the Office of the Dean.
How to Apply
- Complete the Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO) application. (Note: You can apply to BEAM immediately after completing your VSLO application – no need to wait until you have received a VSLO decision.)
- Complete the 2025 BEAM Scholars Visiting Elective Program application.
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- Within the electronic application, you will be required to respond to the following essay prompt:
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The Long School of Medicine is committed to increasing the number of physicians interested in serving medically underserved communities and working towards diminishing health disparities. Please discuss how:
- Your life challenges have influenced your study of medicine and intended career path.
- Your participation in the BEAM Scholars Program will contribute to your professional development.
- You plan to broaden health care access in your intended career.
**Please note participation in the BEAM Scholars Program is contingent upon availability and acceptance by a UT Health senior elective program as a rotating student.
Now Accepting Applications! Apply Here
Selection Process
Only completed applications from prospective scholars who have already been accepted for a visiting elective rotation by a UT Health San Antonio department will be reviewed. Selected applicants will be awarded based on academic achievement, leadership experience and interest in promoting health care in medically underserved populations.