Frequently Asked Questions

Browse common questions below, organized by topic. Can't find what you're looking for? Reach out to our team directly.

Section 01 General Program Questions

Question Answer
I missed a session or two but still took notes and sent roark a proof of watching the recording — how does that affect my shadowing hours? If you missed 1-2 sessions, you will get 7-6 hours of shadowing and you are still eligible to receiving a certificate. You only need to message Roark if you have missed more than 2 sessions with very legitimate emergencies.
If I missed a session, can I still fill Guest Speakers Thank You forms and submit notes for volunteering hours Yes.
Where do I send my session notes for volunteer hours, and how long after the program am I allowed to send them? You should send your notes to info@medstempowered.org by August 1st 2026. Please make sure that all your notes are attached in one email and title it "2026 Summer program Volunteering Notes"
Are those volunteering hours eligible for the PVSA? Yes, if you take notes during sessions (detailed, thorough, organized/neat), you can submit them to us for volunteer hours that are eligible for the PVSA
Do I get volunteer note-taking hours even if we don't have notes for all the sessions/speakers? If you do most of them, we can award some hours
What does medstempowered take into consideration when reviewing applications for executive intern positions? We prioritize applicant motivation, creative thinking, and dedication to our mission. You don't have to be an expert with an extensive CV; we are looking for individuals with fresh perspectives, strong initiative, and the commitment to grow alongside our team.

Section 02 Research Symposium Questions

Question Answer
What is the event happening on August 22 at 9AM EDT? The virtual research symposium event is an additional optional opportunity for top participants to present their projects live and connect with to MSP peers and guest judges. To be considered for the research symposium event held on August 22nd, you must include a brief abstract aND a visual presentation in your project submission by August 12th at 11:59 PM EDT
What is an Abstract? How do I write one? An abstract is a brief, straightforward summary of your research proposal that introduces no new information and is best written after most of your paper or presentation is complete. While the official competition limit is 150 to 500 words, aiming for 150 to 350 words is ideal. For extra guidance, you can refer to Tehmeena’s workshop or the Symposium Prompt & Guide Google Doc, and don't hesitate to reach out for help if you get stuck.
Can I submit just a research paper for participating in the symposium event on August 22? No, you need to include an abstract and a visual presentation (poster, slides, video, etc.)
Can I submit just a research paper for the symposium competition in general if I don’t want to attend the event? Yes.
Can I submit just a presentation with no written component? Technically, that would be an incomplete submission. Your project must include a written component. The written component can be a brief abstract or a paper detailing your project, for example.
Where are the links for Workshop recordings, Prompt document, Reasearch Symosium sub-folder, Required Forms & Deadlines ? Everything regarding the research sympoium can be found in our itinerary page (scroll to the bottom), additionally, you could check pinned messages in #research-symposium2026 for important announcements and advice.