PAUL FARMER GLOBAL SURGERY RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Is there any flexibility for the application deadline dates?
We understand that sometimes it can be hard to achieve that deadline, but since we have a timeline for the process we won’t be accepting applications after the deadline for the coming year. If you are interested in joining the PGSSC for the following year (2027-2028), you may apply this cycle (if you need assistance identifying and applying for funding) or next cycle (if you already have external funding). If you have questions about funding or research opportunities, please reach out to pgsscboston@gmail.com
2. Once my application is submitted, when should I expect a response from the PGSSC?
The application screening lasts several months. Candidates selected for a first round interview will be contacted by September at the latest.
3. It looks like the application opens in June and closes July 15th, but what is the process for deciding after July? Is there a round of interviews, and when do those individuals who have been selected generally know they are in the program?
There are two rounds of interviews. After the first round of interviews, selected individuals will be notified about scheduling second round interviews. Selected candidates will be notified by mid-November.
4. How many Research Fellows and Research Collaborators do you accept each year?
The number of accepted applicants varies from year to year depending on resources and project needs. Generally speaking, there are 6-8 RFs/RCs accepted per year.
5. How is the Fellowship funded?
Currently, this is an unfunded fellowship. Accepted candidates will need to obtain external funding. Please contact us with any questions, or if you have found a scholarship or grant opportunity for the 2026-2027 or 2027-2028 program cycle on which you are interested in collaborating.
6. Does the Fellowship assist with housing?
The Fellowship does not provide housing. Many resources are available to help find rentals in the Boston area.
7. Is the source of funding mandatory for the acceptance of the candidate or the source of funding can be specified once admitted into the program?
The source of funding can be specified once admitted to the program, however final acceptance to the program is contingent upon securing adequate funding.
8. What funding opportunities, if any, have research associates previously used to support research, travel, and living costs?
Previous fellows and RCs have utilized a variety of funding sources, including scholarships, grants, surgical societies, global health foundations, NGOs, and many others. If you are interested in an opportunity that requires a description or proposal for an intended project, please reach pgsscboston@gmail.com to be connected with a faculty member who can help you develop and refine your idea.
9. Who is eligible for the Research Fellow position?
The Research Fellow position is open to those who have graduated from medical schools and are working as residents and registrars in obstetrics and gynecology, anesthesia, and any surgical subspecialty. The PGSSC recognizes the critical role that each specialty has to play in advancing the mission of safe, affordable, timely surgical, anesthesia, and obstetrics and gynecology care when needed. If you are unsure about your eligibility, please enquire at pgsscboston@gmail.com.
10. Who is eligible for the Research Collaborator position?
The Research Collaborator position is open to students currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a health-related graduate degree such as an MD (or international equivalent). Students who have recently graduated with an MD (or international equivalent) and who do not meet the eligibility criteria for a Research Fellow may also apply as a Research Collaborator. If you are unsure about your eligibility, please enquire at pgsscboston@gmail.com.
11. Am I eligible to apply as an international applicant?
Yes, we welcome both U.S. and international applicants for the Research Fellow and Research Collaborator positions.
12. As a Research Fellow, can I only participate in the program for one year?
The Research Fellow portion of our program is designed as a two-year time commitment.
13. Is it possible to do parts of the MPH during the academic year?
Yes, although coursework during the academic year leaves less flexibility for research and travel. Research Fellows who wish to pursue the MPH must commence the program during their first year of the fellowship. Our past fellows have completed the MPH program as part-time students, full-time students, and summer-only students. This is strongly discouraged for Research Collaborators, who are only part of PGSSC for one year.
14. What MPH concentration do you recommend?
In the past, our fellows have enrolled in the Clinical Effectiveness, Global Health, and Quantitative Methods concentrations. The Clinical Effectiveness concentration and the Summer-Only MPH option typically give fellows the greatest flexibility to travel and work on research. We encourage you to talk with us and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to determine the concentration that will work best for you.
Please note that the decision to pursue an MPH is up to the individual fellow, and tuition expenses will not be covered by the program.
15. Are there clinical obligations for the fellows here in the US? What clinical role do fellows play at Boston Children's Hospital?
There is no mandated clinical role. There are no extramural clinical obligations, but research fellows with the appropriate credentials may apply for a Massachusetts medical license to pursue independent moonlighting opportunities at various local and Harvard-affiliated hospitals.
16. If I have finished my residency program in or outside the U.S., am I still eligible to apply?
Yes, you are welcome to apply after you have completed residency training. Please note that the Research Fellow position requires a full-time two-year commitment, so you are not eligible to apply if you have ongoing clinical duties during the time you will be participating in the program.
17. Is an English proficiency test required for applicants?
There is no formal English proficiency test required; however, our program is conducted primarily in English and you will be required to submit a writing sample in English as one component of your application. We do ask that you are comfortable with both conversational and written English.
18. Is there an age limit to be eligible to apply to the program?
There is no age limit to applying to the program.
19. What distinguishes strong applications to the program?
Strong applicants to the program are strong communicators and team players, approach global health with a critical eye and a core focus on equity, humility, and curiosity.
20. Are USMLE scores required?
USMLE scores are not required as a component of the application, but if you have taken the USMLE exams or an equivalent standardized boards-type exam, we would like you to include those scores in your application.
21. Can I continue to do full-time clinical work at the same time as the Fellowship?
The Fellowship is a full-time commitment. We work with partners all over the world and in many different time zones, and we require availability during regular working hours. While we understand that some moonlighting/occasional clinical work may be necessary, we are unable to accept Fellows who are working full or part-time in a clinical or other research position.
22. Can I continue to be enrolled and active as a Medical Student at the same time as doing PGSSC?
Please refer to the answer above regarding full-time clinical work. The Research Collaborator position is a full-time one-year position and would require taking a leave of absence from medical school in order to participate and engage fully with the Program.
23. As a medical student, am I able to apply for a residency while in the program?
Yes. Although the program for Research Collaborator requires a one-year commitment, students are generally able to be Boston-based during the residency interview timeframe.
24. Will I be able to work remotely if accepted into the PGSSC or will I need to move to Boston?
No. The PGSSC is an in-person, Boston-based program. Research Fellows and Coordinators traveling for research are able to join programming remotely. Otherwise, RFs and RCs are expected to join in person.
25. Would I be able to speak with a current or past Research Fellow or Research Collaborator regarding the program?
We would welcome you to reach out to current or past Research Fellows or Collaborators if you have specific questions which are not answered within our FAQs. If you do not have a personal contact within the program you can contact the program via pgsscboston@gmail.com with any questions. Please do share some information about yourself and your question(s) if reaching out so that we can best direct you to an appropriate Research Fellow or Collaborator to help answer your question(s).
26. What is the outlook for international placement over the course of the year (especially given COVID-19)? Would research associates be expected to spend a full year abroad or are there opportunities for shorter placements, such as 2-3 months?
Research Fellows and Collaborators will have opportunities to undertake international placements through the program. To some extent, this will depend upon the lab to which you are primarily allocated - some labs encourage their Research Fellows and Collaborators to spend as much of their time as is feasible ‘in-country’ whilst others have minimal requirements to do so. There are also opportunities to undertake short 2-3 month international placements (for example with UNITAR, UGHE, or WPRO), particularly for senior Research Fellows. These placements require an internal application which can be undertaken following acceptance into the program.