The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix, through its Office of Community Engagement and the Department of Family, Community, and Preventive Medicine, is pleased to offer the Community Medicine and Population Health (CMPH) Summer Internship.
The CMPH Summer Internship immerses undergraduate and masters students in the principles and practices of community medicine and population health. By combining research, clinical shadowing, and mentorship, the program prepares the next generation of physicians to improve health outcomes in Arizona and beyond.
This competitive program brings together outstanding undergraduate and masters students who demonstrate academic excellence and a passion for advancing community health. Interns gain first-hand experience in community-engaged research, primary care, and population health while preparing for future careers in medicine.
Program Highlights
- Community-Oriented Research
Each intern is paired with a faculty mentor to work on a hands-on project related to community medicine and population health. Interns engage in a rigorous community-oriented research curriculum and works-in-progress sessions with experienced research faculty to support their projects. Interns gain experience in:- Formulating research questions
- Study design and methods
- Data collection and analysis
- Interpreting and presenting findings
- Clinical Shadowing
Interns dedicate approximately one day per week to shadowing primary care physicians in community-based care settings. These experiences are enhanced by guided self-reflection and peer discussion. - Community Engagement
- Interns work alongside a mentor on a project focused on community engagement. Interns in the 2025 cohort for example built a publicly searchable STEM program database, drafted a Community Engagement report for the medical school, and coordinated a stakeholder engagement strategy for the Office of Community Engagement and the Department of Family, Community, and Preventive Medicine.
- Learning Sessions
- Lunch & Learn/Workshops
- Interns are invited to attend seminars along with medical students as well as targeted workshops on various topics related to community health. Seminars are also offered specifically to prepare interns to apply to medical school.
- Lunch & Learn/Workshops
- Final Presentation Day
The program concludes with student presentations to peers, mentors, and faculty. Each 10-minute talk covers background literature, methods, findings, future directions, and personal reflections on community medicine.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the internship, interns will:
- Develop foundational skills in population health research and program evaluation.
- Apply ethical and scientific principles in designing and conducting research.
- Gain meaningful, real-world experience in community health and primary care settings.
- Reflect on the social and structural factors that shape health outcomes.
- Build a personalized medical school application plan with input from faculty and mentors.
Timing
The internship runs from early June to the end of August.
Stipend
The CMPH Summer Internship is supported by a Primary Care Professions Program grant. Interns receive a weekly stipend. The total award depends on the internship duration.
Eligibility
Students are eligible to apply if they have completed high school and will be enrolled in University starting in the fall of 2026. Students who have completed undergraduate and masters degrees are also eligible to apply.
Preference is given to students with strong ties to Arizona and those with the intention to apply to medical school.
Now Accepting Applications for Summer 2026
We are now accepting application for the 2026 University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix Community Medicine & Population Health Summer Internship Program designed for undergraduate students interested in exploring careers in healthcare that are essential to Arizona.
This internship offers students the opportunity to:
- Gain hands-on experience in health-related programs and initiatives.
- Learn from professionals working across healthcare and community settings
- Build professional skills, including communication, teamwork, and leadership
- Deepen understanding of health equity, cultural humility, and community engagement
- Gain shadowing experience in Arizona hospital settings
- Learn about the medical school application process.
The internship is open to students from a variety of academic backgrounds who have an interest in health careers. No prior clinical experience is required — just a willingness to learn and engage.
Program Details:
- Internship period: June 1st- August 7th (10 Weeks)
- Time commitment: 3-4 days a week-25 hours a week
- Location: The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix
- Application deadline: March 6th, 2026 @ 11:59 PM
If you are passionate about health, community impact, and professional growth, we encourage you to apply.
We look forward to supporting the next generation of health professionals for Arizona.