SurgLink, AnesthesiaLink, & OBGYNLink Scholars Coming May 2025
How it Works
Each group has its own dedicated sign-up form. To join, simply select the group above that you're interested in and click “Sign Up Now.” Fill out the form, and you'll receive a welcome email within a few days. Be sure to join our next meeting, where you'll learn more about how to get involved.
Currently, projects are only released alongside the meeting schedule. The best way to get involved is by attending the next meeting!
Our Mission
MedLink Scholars is committed to empowering disadvantaged and underrepresented medical students by providing access to high-quality dermatology research opportunities. Our mission is to bridge resource gaps through mentorship and facilitate pathways for publication, poster presentations, and participation in both national and international dermatology conferences. We strive to cultivate an inclusive community where all members can contribute meaningfully to the field and establish valuable professional connections, regardless of their background or connections.
MedLink Scholars Founding Leadership
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Kelly Frasier, DO, MS, CRC
Leading Founder
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
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Haily Fritts, OMS
Co-Developer
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
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Grace Herrick, OMS
Co-Developer
CHIEF PROGRAM OFFICER
MedLink Scholars’ Story
It all began with DermLink Scholars. Dr. Kelly Frasier had been mentoring medical students on research projects for years, guiding them through the process of publishing in dermatology. After numerous projects and publications with Haily and Grace, the three realized they had great energy as a team. Their work together evolved beyond publications, and that’s when Dr. Frasier expressed interest in hosting regular Zoom meetings to make research more accessible to other medical students. With that vision in mind, the three got to work, formalizing the initiative and establishing DermLink Scholars, shaping it into the thriving and collaborative community it is today.
As DermLink Scholars flourished, the demand for similar research groups in other specialties became clear. Recognizing this need, MedLink Scholars was born—a broader platform supporting students across various fields. With the collaboration of dedicated residents and medical student leaders, OrthoLink and GastroLink Scholars soon followed.
While DermLink Scholars remains the largest specialty group, MedLink Scholars continues to expand, welcoming new specialties as more students and residents express interest. What started as a small initiative has grown into a dynamic, inclusive network committed to bridging research gaps and empowering future healthcare professionals.
Specialty Leadership
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Julia Vinagolu-Baur
Director of Project Operations
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Dr. Janae Rasmussen, DO
OrthoLink Resident Physician Research Chair
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Dr. Muhammad Hassan, MD
GastroLink Resident Physician Research Chair
FAQs
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MedLink Scholars is a research and mentorship organization dedicated to helping students from disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds gain access to high-quality research opportunities. We provide mentorship, facilitate research projects, and guide students through the process of presenting at conferences and publishing in medical journals.
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MedLink Scholars has several specialty-focused subgroups, including:
DermLink Scholars (Dermatology research, our OG specialty!)
GastroLink Scholars (Gastroenterology research)
OrthoLink Scholars (Orthopedic research)
We continue to expand as students express interest in new specialties!
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MedLink Scholars is open to all students who are a Junior in Undergraduate and above who are facing barriers to research opportunities. However, our group is primarily made of DO and MD students.
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Subscribe to our emails, and join our next meeting to learn more about how to get involved with projects. These meetings typically take place on the first Thursday, every other month at 7:30PM EST.
At each meeting, we discuss the process, ground rules, and share new project ideas. These projects include literature reviews, meta-analyses, and retrospective chart reviews. We also give Scholars the opportunity to share their own ideas they would like help on. The Saturday after the meeting we send out a SignUp Genius link for scholars to sign up for projects.
No prior research experience is required!
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If you are on a project, or have an idea to submit to a conference, please reach out to dermlinkscholarsposters@gmail.com. Our Poster Manager, Darianne, will help walk you through the process of getting approval to submit a DLS abstract, as well as final poster approval.
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Please reach out to dermlinkscholars@gmail.com. You can also reach out to Julia via text at (315) 760-4260.
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No experience is needed! Our Scholars are encouraged to help one another as new members join. However, you must be a Junior in Undergrad or above to participate in projects.
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It varies based on your level of involvement/authorship. Scholars generally spend a total of 10-20 hours per project over the course of 2-3 weeks.
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Yes! Please sign up on our Agenda to add your name and project details to our spreadsheet. At the next meeting, you can present your idea and other Scholars can sign up on the SignUp Genius we send out!
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No, MedLink Scholars is open to students from any school or location.
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No, joining MedLink Scholars is completely free!
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Yes! MedLink Scholars is an additional resource to support and enhance your research experience.
MedLink Scholars is committed to helping all aspiring healthcare professionals gain the professional experience needed to reach their career goals and ambitions.
