The Cardea Fellows Program prepares students for careers in healthcare by strengthening their core knowledge in math and science. Every Duke undergraduate brings exceptional academic potential, though students enter with varied levels of prior access to STEM preparation. Cardea is designed to enhance the success of high-achieving students through a learning community that builds confidence and capacity in the sciences. Our goal is to support fellows in preparing competitive applications to medical and other health professional schools.
STEM and prehealth courses can be rigorous and demanding. Cardea offers a close-knit community where fellows can find support, mentorship, and encouragement throughout their Duke journey. We cultivate collaboration and connection, offering social events and a strong peer network through our Living & Learning Community and beyond.
Program Structure
The program extends through each student’s four-year undergraduate experience. A fellowship of scholars will be established in the first year. Junior and senior fellows increasingly engage in research and preprofessional experiences, interact with a network of Duke alumni, and serve as mentors to first-year students and sophomores.
You will start the program as a fellowship candidate and sign a letter of intent agreeing to work toward full induction into the Fellowship at the end of your first year. The letter of intent describes the program expectations. Induction is dependent upon course performance and engagement, utilization of campus resources, contributions to the fellowship program, and demonstrated commitment to a health-related profession.
Cardea's commitment to you:
- Academic coaching and skills instruction, tutoring, and career counseling
- Wellness and well-being coaching to assist you in balancing the academic demands of STEM at Duke
- Supportive STEM faculty/staff mentors
- Vibrant and welcoming community of peers within a robust living and learning community
- Provision of textbooks and supplementary resources for prehealth course requirements
- Financial Assistance for applications to medical and other professional schools
Cardea's expectations of you:
- Attend major Cardea events (New Fellows Welcome Dinner, Induction Ceremonies, Co-Hosted Events with Program Partners)
- Live together on East Campus during their first year
- Live in the Cardea Living Learning Community in Kilgo on West Campus during their sophomore year
- Participate in the SAGE Program, which includes weekly study sessions for the introductory chemistry sequence (4 courses)
- Attend the weekly Cardea seminar in the fall of their first year
- Meet with Cardea Director to discuss goals and design an academic plan that fits fellow best
- Meet regularly with their academic advisor and the designated Cardea prehealth advisor
- Actively engage with the Cardea community (attend social events, and seek help from and provide help/support to other fellows)
Who Should Apply?
The Cardea Fellows Program welcomes first-year Duke undergraduate students interested in pursuing careers in medicine, nursing, dentistry, therapy, counseling, or other health professions and who are seeking an inclusive academic support system. Students must place into CHEM 99 to qualify. We particularly encourage applications from students who have encountered barriers to accessing or advancing in prehealth disciplines and who value collaborative learning and peer mentorship.