IMPRESS

Introduction to the Medical Profession: a Rotation to Empower Students

The Introduction to the Medical Profession: a Rotation to Empower Students (IMPRESS) is an intensive course tailored for first—and second-year college students from various backgrounds in medicine. This program offers participants invaluable mentorship and practical tips for building a successful career in the medical field. Through exposure to various medical specialties and cutting-edge technologies, students are equipped with the tools to navigate their journey in medicine confidently.

Participants receive personalized mentorship from experienced physicians and surgeons who guide them through medical school challenges and specialty selection. The curriculum includes practical workshops on clinical reasoning, surgical techniques, and patient communication.

2025 IMPRESS Cohort
(Pictured: IMPRESS 2025 Cohort)

Application Information

  • Online submission of the application will open on October 1, 2025.
  • Applicants need:
    • 250-word statement on why the applicant is interested in the program
    • Official or unofficial transcript should be received by February 1, 2026
    • Two letters of recommendation will be due by the application deadline*
  • Application deadline is 11:59 pm CT on January 31, 2026.
    • If your institution does not have final grades submitted at the time of application submission, please submit the transcript to us no later than February 1, 2026.
  • Virtual interviews will be given to the top applicants on February 20 and 21, 2026.
  • Applicants will be notified of their acceptance within two weeks of interviews.
  • Acceptance or declination must be made by the applicant within seven days of the offer.

Change the Trajectory of Your Life

Get the mentorship and tools to build a successful career. 

Program Perks: ✔️ Housing ✔️ Mentorship ✔️ Meal Stipend

Apply Today!

Submit Application   Submit Letter of Recommendation

Schedule

The IMPRESS program will take place from June 8, 2026, to July 17, 2026.

Week 1: Orientation and didactics

Week 2-5: Clinical Rotations, Didactics, Simulation

Week 6: Clinical Rotations, Didactics, Simulation, End-of-Program Awards Luncheon

Example Didactics Topics: Intro to Research, Medical Ethics and Etiquette, MCAT Prep, Interviewing Skills, Medical School Application Tips, CV Building, Financial Planning, Wellness

Example Simulation Topics: Suturing, Knot Tying, Intro to Laparoscopic Surgery, Intro to Robotic Surgery, Intro to Endoscopy

Other Program Benefits

  • Housing Will Be Provided
  • One-on-One Career Mentorship
  • Meal Stipend Will Be Provided at the End of the Program

Meet The Team

Caroline Rhodes in a white shirt and bright pink blazer
Caroline M. Rhodes, MBA, APACS
Program Manager
“I have been a part of IMPRESS since its inception in 2021, and I’ve had the privilege of watching it grow from a resident’s idea into three successful summers of programming. Growing up in a small rural town, I know firsthand how much a program like this could have changed the trajectory of many students’ lives—including those who never had access to mentors in medicine or even exposure to the field. IMPRESS opens doors for students who may not have anyone in their family with a medical background, giving them the chance to see themselves in medicine and begin imagining that path for their future.”
Dr Jacquelyn Turner Headshot
Jacquelyn Turner, MD
IMPRESS Faculty Advisor
Vice Chair of Surgical Education
Tulane Department of Surgery

“Exponentially training the next generation is a legacy that transcends individual impact—much like the proverb 'It takes a village to raise a child,' it takes a community of mentors, educators, and advocates to cultivate the next generation of diverse, skilled physicians. This community is IMPRESS.”
Tulane Shield Logo 2024
Xinyi “Cathy” Luo, MD
IMPRESS Program Director
Tulane General Surgery Resident

“The vision of a future where all students, regardless of their background, have equal opportunities to pursue medicine continues to fuel my dedication to the IMPRESS program.”
Tulane Shield Logo 2024
Trazarra Aaron
Sr. Executive Assistant – Surgery Education

“I am dedicated to the IMPRESS program because it empowers students to choose
a career in medicine and provides the extraordinary support and guidance they
need to achieve their career goals in healthcare.”

 

Contact Us

If you have questions, please contact crhodes3@tulane.edu

 

*Tulane University is an equal opportunity educator committed to providing an education and learning environment free of unlawful discrimination, harassment and retaliation. Eligibility and selection for participation in this program are not based on a student’s race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.