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Neurology and Neurosurgery

Bonaventura Neurosurgery Research Grant

Empowering Future Neurosurgeons from Hispanic Countries

The Bonaventura Neurosurgery Research Grant provides an extraordinary opportunity for medical students from select Hispanic countries to engage in an 18-week neurosurgical research rotation at the world-renowned Johns Hopkins Department of Neurosurgery in Baltimore, United States.

This program is designed to promote excellence in neurosurgical research, international collaboration, and professional development by connecting ambitious medical professionals with top-tier neurosurgeons and researchers. Through this immersive experience, participants will gain valuable research skills, foster global networking, and prepare for leadership roles in the field of neurosurgery.

Program Highlights

The dome at The Johns Hopkins Hospital
  • Duration:18 weeks
  • Application deadline: January 17, 2025
  • Program start: end of 2025
  • Location: Johns Hopkins Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Baltimore, MD, USA
  • Focus Areas: Neurosurgical research, clinical exposure and academic collaboration
  • Funding: Covers specific amounts for tuition, research support, required insurance, travel expenses and living costs
  • Experience: Engage in cutting-edge research, attend academic courses and lectures and collaborate with leading experts in neurosurgery

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

  1. Citizenship: Must be a citizen of a select Hispanic country (see examples below).
  2. Academic Standing: Must be a medical student or research fellow in neurosurgery or a related field.
  3. Educational Background:
    • Minimum GPA of 3.8 (on a 4.0 scale).
    • English proficiency with a TOEFL score of 100 or IELTS score of 7.0.
  4. Experience: At least six months of hands-on wet lab experience.
  5. Recommendation Letters: Must provide at least two letters of recommendation, one of which should highlight laboratory experience.
  6. Optional: USMLE Step 1 completion is not required but will be considered positively.
  7. Visa Requirements: Must be eligible to apply for a sponsored J1 Visa to the United States.

Examples of Eligible Hispanic Countries

If your Hispanic country is not on this list but you believe it should be considered, please email us to confirm eligibility.

  • Argentina
  • Bolivia
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Costa Rica
  • Cuba
  • Dominican Republic
  • Ecuador
  • El Salvador
  • Guatemala
  • Honduras
  • Mexico
  • Nicaragua
  • Panama
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Spain
  • Uruguay
  • Venezuela

Application Materials

To apply for the Bonaventura Neurosurgery Research Award, please submit the following documents:

  1. Personal Statement (1 page):
    • Describe your career aspirations, how this award will impact your professional development, and your motivation for applying.
    • (Optional) Share your personal background, especially if you identify as an underrepresented individual in the life sciences.
  2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) (maximum 2 pages).
  3. Medical School Transcripts: Include your current GPA.
  4. Letters of Recommendation: Two letters, including one highlighting your wet lab experience.
  5. English Proficiency Test Scores: TOEFL (≥ 100) or IELTS (≥ 7.0).
  6. Optional: USMLE Step 1 Certificate (if available).

How to Apply

All application materials must be merged into a single PDF file and emailed to [email protected] before the application deadline of January 17, 2025. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.

The submission materials will be reviewed by the selection committee and the finalists will be informed no later than May 1st. Those students that pass the selection committee will be invited for an interview. The finalist will be announced no later than April 1st. The rotation will take place at the end of 2025.