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Writer's pictureStephen Turban

DACCPM Summer Research Program at the University of Texas—Our Honest Review


If you’re serious about pursuing research as a career, especially in STEM, then you should look into the many research programs available to high school students. Such programs allow you to experience what scientific research is like in a laboratory setting, connect with industry professionals and leading scientists, and gain skills that you would otherwise probably not have had access to. 


Research experience shows colleges that you’re dedicated to advancing your STEM knowledge and are driven enough to pursue an independent project. If you’re interested in medicine, science, or research, the DACCPM Summer Research Program at the University of Texas can provide a valuable opportunity to make your application stand out.



What is the DACCPM Summer Research Program?


The DACCPM (Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Perioperative Medicine) Summer Research Program at the University of Texas is a ten-week research opportunity for high school seniors at the MD Anderson Cancer Care Center. It is designed to provide in-depth and hands-on research experiences in the fields of anesthesiology, perioperative medicine, and critical care. 


The program’s primary goal is to help you develop a strong foundation in research methodologies, lab practices, and collecting, analyzing, and presenting scientific data. The program gives you the opportunity to apply these skills in real-world medical research. DACCPM also provides academic and professional development seminars to prepare you for future academic and career pursuits.



How is the DACCPM Summer Research Program structured?


The DACCPM Summer Research Program is typically held from Monday to Friday, with specific hours depending on the nature of your research project and your mentor’s preferences. On average, the program requires a full-time commitment of 40 hours per week. The curriculum varies slightly depending on the stage your project is in:

  • As a Laboratory Trainee, you will:

    • Learn the fundamentals of institutional and federal policies guiding research

    • Study fundamental data gathering, interpretation, and presentation techniques as well as standard safety procedures

    • Understand how to use research libraries to conduct a literature review for your research project

  • As a Research Trainee, you will additionally:

    • Observe procedures in the operating room, ICU, or other departmental clinics

    • Contribute to ongoing clinical research efforts alongside your mentor, including the collection and interpretation of experimental data


Faculty mentors are typically doctors and researchers from the University of Texas working at the MD Anderson Cancer Care Center. You will be working with them on their ongoing clinical research projects, actively collecting data, conducting experiments, interpreting and analyzing findings—in short, working how a research assistant would in a professional laboratory setting. You will also be summarizing your research work, and an abstract needs to be presented in the 2025 CATALYST Summer Program abstract book.



Is it prestigious?


Due to the in-depth research experience it provides, the DACCPM Summer Research Program is quite prestigious. Acceptance into the program can significantly boost your academic profile as it proves that your interest in medical research matches their rigorous standards. The networking opportunities provided through this program are highly beneficial, allowing you to build relationships with faculty and other researchers. Participating in such a selective program can make your resume stand out, especially if you plan to pursue a career in medicine.



Are there any costs involved?


Although the program has no costs, high school students aren’t offered a stipend either. You may have to cover transportation costs to and from the facility. 



Who is eligible to apply?


To apply for DACCPM you need to be a high school senior at least 18 years old at the time of application. You will also need to commit 40 hours per week for the entire 10-week duration of the program.



How does the application process work?


Applying to the DACCPM Summer Research Program requires providing the following:

  • Your personal information

  • Official high school transcript

  • A personal statement explaining your interest in the program and how it aligns with your career goals. This statement is also the place to request the project or mentor you’re interested in!

  • Your latest CV or resume

  • Two letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors

Applications open on November 18, 2024 and are due by January 20, 2025.



Pros and cons to consider


Pros:

  1. The program has a unique focus on anesthesiology and critical care: Unlike general medical research programs, DACCPM instead focuses on anesthesiology and perioperative medicine. This focus offers in-depth exposure to these specialties, making it a great choice if you’re already interested in these fields or considering them as potential career paths.

  2. Access to renowned faculty and facilities: You will work with leading researchers and clinicians from MD Anderson, a recognized cancer center. The mentorship from experts in anesthesiology provides valuable learning experiences, and access to state-of-the-art research labs and clinical simulation rooms ensures you’ll be using cutting-edge resources throughout the program.

  3. Great networking opportunities: The program allows you to meet professionals in various medical fields, which can open doors to future internships, mentorship, or even letters of recommendation. You also connect with peers who share similar interests, building a network of future medical professionals.

  4. Strong academic and career foundation: If you're aiming for competitive pre-med or medical programs, the DACCPM program gives you a head start. The skills you learn and the research experience will make your college applications stand out, especially in programs that value early research exposure.


Cons:

  1. Demanding schedule and workload: The program's structure requires a full-time commitment over the summer, and you are expected to be fully involved in research activities, including lab work and data analysis. This can be intense, especially if you’re balancing other summer commitments or aren’t used to a demanding research environment.

  2. Challenging admission process: With a competitive selection process, the program’s acceptance rate is low. This can make it difficult to secure a spot, and the time and effort spent applying may not guarantee success, especially considering the limited number of placements.



Our honest review—is it legit?


The DACCPM Summer Research Program at the University of Texas is a prestigious program for any high schooler with a strong interest in medical research, especially if you’re already clear that you want to pursue a career in anesthesiology and critical care. It offers a unique opportunity to work closely with leading faculty and gain real-world laboratory experience in medical research. The structured curriculum, excellent mentorship, and networking opportunities make it a valuable choice if you want to strengthen your academic profile and explore potential medical careers. It’s important to be aware, however, that the program is highly selective, and you will need to commit to putting in the time and effort to learn advanced research skills.


One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program


If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, you could also consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.


Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!


Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.


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