HISTORY OF PROJECT: IMHOTEP

Project: IMHOTEP began in 1981 under the auspices of an Atlanta University Center (AUC) faculty steering committee. Over the past twenty-four (24) years, nearly 400 students, representing ninety-four different institutions of higher learning, have participated in the program. Interns have been drawn from various underrepresented minority ethnic groups, including African American, Hispanic/Latin American, and Native American, and have come from various regions of the U.S., Caribbean, U.S. Virgin Islands, and East Africa. Interns have been placed at institutions domestically (Alaska, California, Georgia, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Washington) and internationally (Tanzania, East Africa and Oaxaca, Mexico). In the summer of 2004 and 2005, respectively, PHSI placed its first interns with the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) in Tanzania, East Africa and Mexico Negro in Oaxaca, Mexico.

PROGRAM

Project: IMHOTEP is an eleven-week internship designed to increase the knowledge and skills of rising juniors and seniors and recent graduates of an undergraduate institution in biostatistics, epidemiology, and occupational safety and health. The program begins with two weeks of intense educational training. The purpose of this training is to equip interns with the academic coursework and information necessary to complete the program. During the remaining nine weeks, interns conduct public health research with experts at the CDC, NIMR, Mexico Negro, and various other public health agencies.

Since the inception of Project: IMHOTEP, interns have been placed in various centers, institutes, and offices (CIOs) within the CDC and various domestic and international agencies, including, but not limited to, the:

  • National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
  • National Center for Health Statistics
  • National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention
  • National Center for Infectious Diseases
  • National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
  • National Institute of Medical Research
  • Mexico Negro
  • Sister Love, Incorporated

Throughout the program, interns participate in a wide variety of seminars, workshops, and other educational initiatives and must complete a required number of community service hours. Interns receive research support and consultation in data analysis and other project requirements. At the conclusion of the program, interns deliver an oral presentation and submit a written manuscript suitable for publication in a scientific journal.

Interns are required to sign a legal contract, adhering to all rules, regulations, and program requirements. During the program, interns receive a financial stipend, housing (at Morehouse and site location) and a travel allowance (travel allowance includes travel to and from Atlanta, site location, and home residence). Interns are required to pay for all expenses incurred during the two-week training (e.g., books) and other miscellaneous expenses (e.g., food) not outlined here (In FY 2005, this cost totaled approximately $300)

Due to the demands of the program, PHSI seeks highly qualified students. The selection process is very rigorous and extremely competitive. Candidates should have a genuine interest  in pursuing a career in public health, with a particular emphasis in biostatistics, epidemiology, or occupational safety and health.

Project IMHOTEP Application Form