Two Loyola University Chicago students accepted to prestigious Northwestern Medicine summer pre-med internship program

Two Loyola University Chicago students have been selected for the prestigious Northwestern Medicine Summer Pre-Med Internship Program in Chicago. At Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Olivia Murad, a biochemistry major from Skokie, Illinois, will be mentored in digital health and AI in medicine while Charles Weaver, a psychology major from Glenview, Illinois will be mentored by psychiatry specialists.

“I have a long history of drug addiction and recovery, which is what sparked my interest in the field of psychiatry. Being selected for the internship means that all my hard work has been validated, and that there is a place for someone like me in the medical field,” said Weaver.

A program record of more than 1,800 students applied, and just 2% were accepted. The 2024 program selected 45 students who hail from across the United States and have unique stories demonstrating their passion for medicine. A weekly lecture series on timely topics related to the current state of medicine from leading physicians and hospital executives will further educate students on what to expect from a future in medicine.

“We’re very excited to hear that Loyola students will be participating in this impressive program. Beyond recognizing their diligent scholarship, this internship presents an opportunity for exposure to world-class medical practice and research early in their academic careers,” said Colin Gates, assistant professor in the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. “Olivia was a student leader in my class who always asked questions when she and her classmates needed clarification, and once she understood something, she retained it perfectly. We’re looking forward to them sharing their experiences with classmates and faculty in the fall.”

Since 2019, Micah J. Eimer, MD, associate chief medical officer at Northwestern Medicine and cardiologist at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, has turned the Northwestern Medicine Summer Pre-Med Internship Program into an international destination for college students interested in pursuing a career in healthcare.

“We strive to provide a blend of both academic work and observation, and we are pleased to offer these dedicated students who have already shown a passion for medicine an 8-week, paid opportunity to work with some of the leading experts in medicine,” said Dr. Eimer. “What I realize now is how impactful it also is for the physicians to ‘step back’ from their packed schedules to provide individual guidance and inspiration to a young adult with enthusiasm for the study of medicine. It’s inspiring to see this program continue to evolve and welcome students from different backgrounds from around the world.”

Each student receives an assigned clinical department where they work and report to both a physician lead as well as a program administrator. Once a week, they will rotate to observe a different specialty.

Student academics and a commitment to community service were considered during the acceptance process, as well as ensuring the class includes a mix of students from different backgrounds, locations and life experiences. The internship welcomed students from 27 schools, including:

Brown University
Case Western Reserve University
Denison University
DePaul University
Fisk University
Grinnell College
Hampton University
Haverford College
Howard University
Indiana University
Johns Hopkins University
Loyola University Chicago
Marquette University
Miami University of Ohio
Northern Illinois University
Northwestern University
Saint Xavier University
Tuskegee University
University of Cincinnati
University of Florida
University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign
University of Michigan
University of Notre Dame
University of Rochester
Washington University in St. Louis
Western Washington University
Xavier University of Louisiana