EMRAP
The Eisenhower Medical Research Associate Program (EMRAP) is the first program of its kind in the Coachella Valley, designed to provide premedical students and undergraduate students with meaningful clinical exposure and research opportunities - essential components for competitive admission to medical school and other health professions.
Program Overview
The program aims to increase the number of undergraduate clinical research opportunities in medicine, offering students invaluable exposure to both clinical settings and research fundamentals. Selected students will work alongside Eisenhower Health’s faculty and resident physicians to screen, recruit, and converse with patients for various Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved studies, as well as standard-of-care quality assurance projects. Participants will develop skills in clinical research, including study design, data collection and analysis, and professional practice in clinical and research settings.
Our Vision
To develop a strong cadre of premedical students equipped with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to successfully enter and thrive in the medical field.
Our Mission
To expand the pathway of future healthcare professionals in physician-shortage regions, with a particular emphasis on strengthening the healthcare workforce serving the Coachella Valley.
Program Details
Established in July 2024 by Dr. Victor Cisneros, MD, MPH, and co-led by Dr. Jaclyn Floyd, MD, at Eisenhower Health and Dr. Ann Cheney, PhD at University of California, Riverside School of Medicine, EMRAP uniquely bridges clinical exposure, academic research, and community-engaged learning.
EMRAP is an academic-year clinical research program that provides students with a unique opportunity to collaborate directly with faculty and residents at Eisenhower Health. Participants receive comprehensive instruction in the fundamentals of clinical research and quality improvement; engage in guided readings, lectures, and discussions; and actively contribute to ongoing clinical studies, scholarly projects, and standard-of-care quality assurance initiatives.
Students participate in weekly 8-hour clinical shifts at Eisenhower Health, gaining exposure in study workflows, patient interactions and clinical operations. Faculty provide ongoing mentorship, professional development guidance, and support for the medical school application process.
Upon successful completion of the EMRAP program and adherence to program policies, students may request a letter of recommendation. A financial stipend is available per academic year in recognition of students’ participation in the program.
EMRAP is a collaborative initiative between Eisenhower Health and the University of California, Riverside School of Medicine, serving as a vital resource for students aspiring to careers in healthcare. The program not only equips participants with meaningful clinical and research experience but also strengthens patient outcomes and advances efforts to address healthcare needs in the Coachella Valley.
Responsibilities/Duties:
- Reviewing assigned study protocols, related literature, and project materials
- Attending trainings on clinical research methods and quality improvement
- Attending monthly group meetings with program directors
- Becoming familiar with active clinical studies and their inclusion/exclusion criteria
- Participating in clinical research activities such as patient screening, recruitment, and enrollment
- Contributing to scholarly projects and academic presentations
- Supporting public health education and outreach efforts
- Learning to navigate the EPIC electronic health record system under faculty guidance
Skills/Requirements:
Participants are expected to meet the following requirements and professional standards:
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Attend an orientation session covering program policies, clinical studies, patient interaction skills, and required documentation
- Complete HIPAA Privacy training and CITI Human Subjects Protection modules before beginning program activities
- Attend monthly online EMRAP meetings with program directors
- Arrive on time and complete an 8-hour weekly shift during the academic year (1 year minimum commitment)
- Adhere to professional dress standards (business casual shirts and pants; no open-toed shoes, T-shirts, jeans, shorts, skirts, or hats). Students must wear program-issued vests and identification badges while on Eisenhower Health premises.
Applications Open Now
EMRAP welcomes applications from premedical students from the Coachella Valley and Inland Southern California—including undergraduate and post baccalaureate scholars—who are interested in participating in an academic medicine research program and gaining real-world clinical research experience.
To apply please complete the following application form
Applications are due by February 15th, 2026, 5:00 p.m. PST. Late applications will not be accepted. For questions about the program or application process, please contact Program Coordinators Desiree Carcamo DCarcamo@eisenhowerhealth.org and Clara Vigil Clara.Vigil@medsch.ucr.edu.