Ralph R. Jones, MD, FACS Pre-Medical Fellowship

The purpose of the Ralph R. Jones, MD, FACS Pre-Medical Fellowship program is to foster undergraduate research opportunities that enrich students’ understanding of the field of medicine and provide them with the experience necessary to stand out during the competitive medical school application process. This program allows students to understand the value of research but to also become involved in research projects that impact their community. Not only does the fellowship support students, but it also helps to support the research faculty with supplies needed to complete research projects.

The summer research fellowship is an opportunity for pre-medical students to engage in a rigorous ten week program, where they are expected to assist a Boise State faculty member that explores ways in which they can improve outcomes in the healthcare community through research. Students are awarded a stipend to participate in a combined employee and educational experience with a faculty mentor for 40 hours each week. The program serves as a much needed preparation tool for students as they begin to apply to medical school. Following their time in a lab with a faculty member, students are expected to present their research at the Idaho Research Conference and the Boise State Undergraduate Research Conference.

About the Ralph R. Jones, MD, FACS Pre-Medical Fellowship

The Ralph R. Jones, MD, FACS Pre-Medical Fellowship was established in 1998 by Ralph R. Jones, a surgeon in the Boise community for nearly 42 years. He served as president for both Saint Alphonsus and St. Luke’s medical staff and was active on numerous medical committees and boards. Through his work as a surgeon, Jones set aside funds to create a pre-medical endowment that would later be used to enhance the quality of pre-medical academic programs. It was his wish to offer Boise State students the opportunity to achieve their dreams of medical and related research careers.

Sadly, in 2004, Jones passed away at the age of 96. He was survived by his two daughters Judith Combs and Marcia Sands who, to this day, work to share their father’s wishes in continuing the fellowship for pre-medical Boise State students.