Clerkship

THE INTERNAL MEDICINE PROGRAM AT EXEMPLA SAINT JOSEPH HOSPITAL INCLUDES CLERKSHIPS FOR BOTH THIRD-YEAR AND FOURTH-YEAR MEDICAL STUDENTS.  

Third-year medical students from the University of Colorado rotate every four weeks on the general Internal Medicine wards as part of their "Care of the Hospitalized Patient" clerkship.   All junior student rotations are arranged through the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Department of Medicine, Office of Student Affairs.  Third-year students co-manage patients with first-year residents under the supervision of a senior resident and an attending physician.

Fourth-year students from United States LCME and AOA accredited schools may rotate as subinterns in general Internal Medicine, Critical Care Medicine, or Oncology for four (4) weeks.  Applications for 4th year students from other schools will be reviewed for acceptance on a case-by-case, space available basis.  Approval by the Dean of your medical school is required.  The subinternship is excellent preparation for residency not only in Internal Medicine, but in all disciplines.  Subinternships are only offered at four (4) week intervals corresponding with the University of Colorado academic schedule.

The subinterns on inpatient Internal Medicine wards and Oncology function as interns, admitting patients in rotation with the first-year residents on the team.  The subintern is responsible for the admission, evaluation and continuing care of patients under the direct supervision of a senior resident and an attending physician.  Students will enhance their skills in history taking, physical diagnosis, oral presentations, clinical reasoning and evidence-based patient management.  Additionally, effective communication and interaction with all members of the healthcare team are emphasized.  Teaching is provided through team rounds, morning report, and departmental conferences, as well as student oriented seminars.

Fourth-year medical students selecting the Critical Care rotation will function as interns with the responsibilities and associated teaching conferences similar to those of the subinternship on inpatient Internal Medicine wards.  In addition, the critical care subintern gains a broad exposure to serious cardiovascular, pulmonary and multi-organ diseases.  Extensive teaching by Cardiology and Pulmonary Critical Care specialists involves such topics as hemodynamic monitoring, ventilator management, evaluation and prognosis of the seriously ill, and resuscitative decision making.  All resident and student team members participate in daily ICU Rounds.

VISITING STUDENTS

Participation in a 4th year clerkship is allowed for visiting students on a space available basis with University of Colorado medical students receiving priority placement.

Prior to approving your subinternship rotation, there is a pre-requisite of two months of inpatient ward experience, one of which must be in Internal Medicine.  We require a letter of recommendation from a preceptor on that Internal Medicine month stating that you have completed the rotation and are competent to write progress notes and orders, and documentation from your school that you have completed all of your 3rd year clerkships. 

HOUSING AND PARKING

Housing is available adjacent to the hospital at the Saint Christopher House (phone 720-917-9900), if needed.  Please contact them for room rates.  Parking is included. 

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

We will need the following documentation prior to reviewing your application for approval: (1) letter from your Dean indicating you are enrolled and in good standing, and have permission to take the elective, (2) verification of worker's compensation and health insurance, (3) verification of malpractice insurance, (4) verification of TB testing and immunization status.

International Medical Graduates may apply for clinical clerkships during spring from February through May.  We offer four week rotations on general Internal Medicine ward teams, and oncology teams.  Students perform independent histories and physical examinations on their assigned patients, and formulate management decisions under the supervision of a senior resident and an attending physician.   All  applicants must pass the USMLE I and USMLE II examinations with a score of 205 on the first attempt, as well as the English exam.  A current curriculum vitae must accompany your application as well as a letter of recommendation from a previous rotation in the United States, or a letter from your current program.  Housing is available at Saint Christopher House as detailed above.  We do not offer observerships.

Please download and submit an Application for Clinical Clerkship.

If you have further questions, please contact the medical student coordinator, Rebecca Schoby at (303) 866-8885 or email her at  schobyr@exempla.org