STAR-Pediatric Endocrinology Scholars

A specialized track of Duke’s Summer Training in Academic Research Program for undergraduate and medical students interested in pediatric endocrinology.

There is a growing gap between the number of children with endocrine conditions and the availability of specialists prepared to care for them. Few trainees are entering pediatric endocrinology, leaving many important questions unanswered and families struggling to find access to care.

Banner identifying Duke Pediatric Endocrinology as a participating site in the STAR research network.

The STAR-Pediatric Endocrinology Scholars program addresses this gap by providing four undergraduate or medical students with hands-on training in clinical research and scientific writing through the Summer Training in Academic Research Program (STAR) at the Duke Clinical Research Institute in Durham, NC. Each scholar will work closely with Duke faculty on a pediatric endocrinology research project and gain practical skills in study design, statistics, and manuscript preparation during a five-week in-person program.

Instruction takes place alongside the general STAR Program cohort, which includes didactic, interactive, and applied instruction, along with mentorship and professional development opportunities. This robust training ensures each scholar builds a strong foundation in clinical research. STAR-Pediatric Endocrinology Scholars will also contribute to a hypothesis-driven project by reviewing academic literature, conducting statistical programming and analysis, drafting the manuscript, and presenting results. There may also be opportunities to submit the manuscript to a peer-reviewed journal.

Mentorship is central to the program. Scholars work closely with experienced pediatric endocrinology faculty, who guide research questions through manuscript development. In addition to structured mentorship, participants shadow clinicians in the pediatric endocrinology clinic and observe firsthand how research questions emerge from patient care. Throughout the summer, scholars also connect informally with the broader pediatric endocrinology team, gaining insight into the specialty and various career paths within the field.

Eligibility

Three STAR program participants collaborate in a small-group discussion, reviewing workshop materials and exchanging ideas during a training session.
  • Undergraduate and medical students interested in pediatric endocrinology are encouraged to apply.
  • No prior research experience is necessary. Applicants need only demonstrate strong academic performance and an interest in science.
  • U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is required for participation, per NIH policy.
  • Participants must be 18 years or older by the first day of the in-person program to shadow in the clinic or hospital.

Compensation

A stipend is provided to participants, making the program an option even for students who plan to work over the summer break.

  • Medical students: $8,000
  • College students: $5,000
  • The program's only costs are housing and transportation. Participants must secure their own room and board.

How to Apply

Scholars apply through the STAR Program application and must note their interest in the pediatric endocrinology track in the personal statement questions to be considered.

Click below for application requirements and application links.

Please submit the following:

  • Completed application for college students (use the button below).
  • School transcript.
  • Two letters of recommendation provided by nonrelatives. Letters are to be submitted by the person who wrote the letter by the application deadline (use the button below).
  • Personal statement questions (prompts and responses entered directly within the application).1

Please submit the following:

  • Copy of your AMCAS or AACOMAS application
  • Personal statement questions (prompts and responses entered directly within the application).1
  • One letter of recommendation2 from a medical school faculty member

Register: Information Session

Submit Your STAR Program Application

Submit Letters of Recommendation

Due Dates, Links, and Contacts

  • Medical Students: Oct. 1–Nov. 30, 2026*
  • College & High School Students: Nov. 16, 2026–Jan. 6, 2027**

If you have questions about eligibility or the program, contact dukestarprogram@duke.edu

* Applications must be received by November 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST. Applications received with a date and time stamp of December 1, 2026, or later will not be considered.

**Applications must be received by January 6, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. EST. Applications received with a date and time stamp of January 7, 2027, or later will not be considered.

1If you use AI to generate any part or any draft of your personal statement, please indicate that on your application.

2Ideally, letters of recommendation are from medical school faculty; however, letters may also come from undergraduate faculty.