Answers to FAQs regarding the NYLF/MED program are outlined below. Can't find an answer to your question? Check out our general FAQ, organized by topic.
What is the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine (NYLF/MED)?
The National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine introduces outstanding students with an interest in medicine to all aspects of the medical field. Since 1993, this 10-day forum has introduced students to professionals from some of the nation’s top medical centers and faculty from renowned institutions of learning. Currently, NYLF/MED takes place in the following key cities: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.
With close cooperation from many prestigious and technologically-advanced hospitals, research facilities and medical schools, NYLF/MED enables students through its interactive format to explore a broad range of topics including educational requirements, career options, clinical practice and complex ethical and legal issues facing the medical profession today. Students also get firsthand accounts of what life is like as a resident, discuss global epidemics, cures for life-threatening diseases, medical specialties and primary care with current physicians and patients.
Who is eligible to participate in NYLF/MED?
Attending students must be at least 16 years of age and/or in the 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grade during the 2009/2010 academic year. Recently graduated students may also attend.
Is there a GPA requirement?
All scholars who attend must have achieved a B+ average or above and have an interest in the field of medicine. A student who does not meet the GPA requirement may not attend.
Who are the speakers?
Students participating in NYLF/MED have the opportunity to learn from and exchange ideas with some of today’s most respected and internationally recognized physicians and healthcare professionals. They gain rare insights into current issues and obtain invaluable information about pursuing a career in medicine.
What institutions participate?
Some of the nation’s most prestigious and technologically-advanced medical schools, research facilities and hospitals welcome NYLF/MED participants. Students have up-close and personal contact with physicians, surgeons, researchers, scientists and medical educators, as they go behind-the-scenes to view these professionals at work.
What is the curriculum?
NYLF/MED students participate in educational activities that cover important medical topics such as bioethics, clinical decision-making and public health. During a medical ethics activity, they are challenged to examine an ethical issue facing the medical community and debate the pros and cons of the issue. Students engage in an activity utilizing problem-based learning, a methodology now used in medical schools, and in “The Match,” a simulation of the process used to match medical students with their specialties. Students also learn how take blood pressure and proper suturing techniques. To learn about the many facets of public health, students will take part in a simulation of a disease outbreak on a college campus.
How many sessions will there be? What are the dates?
There will be 23 sessions held during summer 2010. Check the left-hand navigation bar for updated session information. If you would like to see a sample schedule for prior NYLF/MED sessions, click here.
How many students will be in each session?
NYLF/MED will admit approximately 350-400 students per session.
What does tuition cover?
Tuition covers hotel accommodations, breakfasts and dinners, charter bus transportation during the Forum (students are responsible for their own travel to and from the forum location as well as a shuttle fee from the airport to the program site), instruction, speakers, program materials, supervisory personnel and all activities throughout the 10-day program. Students will need money only for lunches and any incidentals they wish to purchase.
What is the ratio of staff members to students?
17-to-1
Who will the faculty advisors be?
All faculty advisors are college graduates. NYLF/MED values diversity among its staff. Many will have explicit experience facilitating high-level experiential curriculum and many will have a strong background in the area of medicine. We also provide extensive pre-program training for our staff and perform five-year background checks on all faculty advisors.
Where will students stay?
- Atlanta: Emory University
- Boston: Babson College or Bentley University
- Chicago: University of Illinois at Chicago
- Houston: Renaissance Hotel
- Los Angeles: UCLA
- Philadelphia: Villanova University
- San Francisco: University of California at Berkeley
- Washington, D.C.: Georgetown University or the Marriott Fairview Park
What kind of spending money will scholars need at the Forum?
NYLF recommends scholars bring approximately $8 to $10 a day for lunch, souvenirs or other incidentals.
Is there a charge for the shuttle service from the airport?
There is a one time $40.00 fee for roundtrip shuttle service. No refunds are given to participants who only utilize the shuttle one way, and they are therefore encouraged to utilize the shuttle to get from and back to the airport(s). Students should not make travel arrangements until they have been officially notified of their enrollment by NYLF. Details about the airport shuttle service will be sent along with your notification of enrollment in the Forum.
