The Academic Associates Program (AAP) provides premedical and pre-health post-baccalaureate students an opportunity to engage in clinical and translational research activities in the Emergency Department (ED) at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, or the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The program provides a unique opportunity for students to interact with medical school faculty and staff in a high-acuity healthcare environment and develop relationships with faculty. Many participating students have continued on to medical and healthcare professional schools with the support and guidance of the AAP and emergency department staff. Former Academic Associates have benefited from their experience in the program, which has aided their candidacy and preparedness for medical school.

The AAP at HUP and PPMC is led by medical director, Benjamin Abella, MD, MPhil , while the program at CHOP is overseen by Joseph Zorc, MD, MSCE.

The CHOP and HUP/PPMC programs are typically offered during the fall, spring and summer semesters as a two-semester experience. During their first semester, students learn about active clinical studies and develop skills to screen potential participants, obtain informed consent where appropriate, interview participants, and collect study data. Students in good standing with the program are eligible to continue for a second semester, during which they have an opportunity to work individually with a faculty member and study coordinators on a specific research project. This provides students opportunities to input and process study data, manage patients outside of the ED environment, and assist with development and execution of studies.