University of Utah Department of Neurosurgery Summer Clinical Internship to Improve Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

University of Utah Department of Neurosurgery Summer Clinical Internship to Improve Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The University of Utah Department of Neurosurgery is offering a 2-month summer internship for medical students. The purpose of this program is clinical immersion in neurosurgery and the opportunity to perform high-level clinical and translational research.

We aim to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion for groups that have been traditionally underrepresented in neurosurgery (e.g., women, minorities, LGBTQ).

Opportunities with the program include:

  • Attending rounds with residents and observing direct patient care
  • Attending operative cases in a variety of subspecialties
  • Participating in multiple high-level clinical and translational projects
  • Improved training in biostatistical and clinical methodology
  • Active, structured mentorship during the program
  • Development of a network for future mentorship and career development

The program will offer a stipend of $8000 for the 2-month program, which will cover airfare, housing, and other living costs for the program. Resources for developing a research program will be provided by the department and clinicians with whom the student will be working.

The beginning and ending dates of the 2-month program are flexible but will generally be during July and August 2022. The location will be at the University of Utah Hospital, and Clinical Neurosciences Center in Salt Lake City, but participants can potentially rotate at Primary Children’s Hospital also if they wish. Regular meetings with an assigned mentor will be scheduled to help the student identify goals and a timeline for the program.

Requirements for the program include:

  • Participant is a MS1-4 student in a U.S. allopathic or osteopathic medical program.
  • Participant is from an underrepresented gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation/gender identity, or socioeconomic background in neurosurgery.
  • Participant can commit to a 2-month program.

To apply, please submit to erica.bisson@hsc.utah.edu the following:

  • An updated curriculum vitae.
  • A personal statement discussing why you are interested in neurosurgery, why you would be a good fit for the program, and your goals for the experience.
  • Two letters of recommendation from advisors, instructors, or mentors attesting to the participant’s qualifications for the program.

At the end of the program, students will be asked to share a case presentation at the Department grand rounds and prepare a summary report of their experience, accomplishments, and feedback on the program.

The deadline to apply for the summer program is February 28, 2022.