The Externship program is designed for medical graduates (M.D., D.O., M.B.B.S., etc.) who graduated from a W.F.M.E, or W.H.O. and I.M.E.D. recognized Medical School.

This transitional program allow graduates from a Medical School to experience and be trained by faculty at reputable teaching hospitals. A certificate of completion and Letter of Recommendations (L.O.R.) may be earned after the course is completed.

The externship program is an integrated clinical training program offered at our clinical campuses. It is ideal for international medical students and graduates looking to gain experience in a U.S. teaching hospital location. Externs will assume a role parallel to that of an intern or resident with schedule flexibility and self-directed study.

Externs are expected to rotate through inpatient and outpatient services, attend high-yield didactic courses in Medicine, and become proficient in history taking, performing physical examinations and developing tailored treatment plans under the direct supervision of hospital appointed faculty. Externs work closely with clinical faculty in the residency program and may have access to notable board reviewers and authors in medical education. Externs will also partake in Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE) to familiarize themselves with various simulated patient-physician scenarios in order to fine tune their history taking skills, physical examination techniques, ability to formulate a proper assessment and plan and transcribe accurate patient write-up’s. With integrated program flexibility this externship may be extended to accommodate the academic process.

 

Program:

  • Rotate through various inpatient and outpatient services based on availability.
  • Appropriate access to specialized clinical areas: Emergency Department, Critical Care Unit, Long Term Care Units, Psychiatry and Perioperative Areas.
  • Daily rounds, consults and case presentations with Board Certified Attending Faculty, fellows and residents.
  • Opportunity to work with post-graduate trainees/residents in our approved graduate medical training programs such as Internal Medicine, PMR, Orthopedics, etc.
  • Opportunity to attend high yield lectures and board review sessions by renowned faculty and university appointed faculty.
  • Participate in Objective Structured Clinical Examinations.
  • Submit weekly patient case logs and history and physical exam write-ups, with review by faculty.
  • Offer subinternships and subspecialty clinical courses.
  • Access to simulation lab for OSCE and clinical wards procedure training.
  • Offer supervised Step 2CK, and Step 3 review courses.
  • Residency interview preparation by experienced faculty and residency program associates.
The following externships may be offered in 4 week blocks (minimum):
  • Internal Medicine
  • Surgery
  • Obstetrics / Gynecology
  • Pediatrics
  • Psychiatry
  • Family Medicine
  • Anesthesiology
  • Cardiology
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Family Medicine Sub-I
  • General Surgery Sub-I
  • Geriatric Psychiatry
  • Hematology
  • Oncology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Internal Medicine Sub – I
  • Nephrology
  • Neurology
  • Neurosurgery
  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Otolaryngology / ENT
  • Palliative Care
  • Pain Management
  • Pathology
  • Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
  • Pulmonary Care
  • Radiology
  • Rheumatology
  • Dermatology
  • Opthalmology

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Eligibilty:

  • Must be attending or have graduated from a World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) or World Health Organization (WHO) and International Medical Education Directory (IMED) recognized Medical Program.
  • Must have completed medical rotations in Internal Medicine, General Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Psychiatry.
  • Passing score on USMLE Step 1 or equivalent exam
  • Dean’s Letter
  • HIPAA Certificate
  • Infection Control Certificate
  • Basic Life Support course completion
  • Basic Medical Coverage
  • Professional Liability Coverage
  • National Background Check Report

 

Supplemental Reading Materials:

Fischer et al al Master the Boards USMLE Step 2 CK, 3rd Edition
Green et al. Washington Manual of Medical Therapeutics, 31st Edition
Marc S. Sabatine Pocket Medicine, 4th Edition
Goldman et al. Goldman’s Cecil Medicine
Fauci et al. Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine, 17th Edition
Agabegi & Agabegi Step-Up to Medicine (outpatient medicine section), 2nd Edition
Le et al. First Aid for the USMLE Step 2 CK, 8th Edition

 

Goals:

By the conclusion of this externship, medical graduates will be able to:

  1. Take a patient history and perform a physical exam, develop a concise differential diagnosis and formulate a proper assessment and plan. Be able to demonstrate proficiency in the interpretation of historical factors, physical exam findings, laboratory values and radiographic findings in preparing the assessments of patients.
  2. Medical graduates will be adequately prepared for clinical skills examination.
  3. Acquire an understanding of the importance of ancillary medical services (social work, nutrition, physical therapy etc) in the complete care of the adult patient.
  4. Develop an appreciation for the unique psychosocial factors (psychiatric illness, family support, cognitive skills, financial status, etc) that directly influence the plan of care for hospitalized patients.
  5. Develop the communications skills necessary to be an effective medical practitioner.  This applies to both effective patient communication and interactions with faculty, house staff, nurses, and hospital workers.
  6. Earn genuine US letters of recommendation (LoRs) based on their clinical experiences and performance at the hospital
  7. Gain important and necessary experiences  and competencies sought by US residency program directors.

**Upon completion of this externship, medical graduates will receive a Certificate of Completion in addition to a personalized portfolio indicating areas of performance and recommendations.**

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Making the Most of Your Clinical Externship

Several pivotal milestones mark the journey through medical education, and one of the most transformative experiences for aspiring healthcare professionals is the Affordable Clinical Externship Program Medpathway. These immersive rotations allow students to step out of the classroom and into real-world healthcare settings, providing invaluable opportunities for learning, skill development, and professional growth. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how to make the most of your clinical externship Medpathway, offering insights and strategies to ensure a meaningful and enriching experience.

The Importance Of Externships

While externships may bear similarities to internships, they are typically structured as short-term opportunities for job shadowing, often without monetary compensation. Nevertheless, they hold a significant role in affording college students the chance to delve into potential career pathways, refine their focus on specific fields, and even gain insights into prospective employers. Due to their brief duration, students can seamlessly participate in multiple externships, thereby expanding their exposure to various career domains.

Externships offer a distinctive avenue to “test the waters” or “look before you leap,” offering an authentic glimpse into the realities of chosen professions. This experience presents a practical portrayal of a career trajectory, identifies requisite skill sets, and aids in the process of making informed career choices – all within the context of a short-term, immersive encounter akin to a typical workday.

An added advantage of an externship at MedPathway is the capacity to enhance your resume. To capitalize on this, it’s imperative to succinctly articulate the acquired insights and learning outcomes, mirroring the approach you’d adopt when showcasing internships or fellowships. Occasionally, externships might encompass hands-on training, which adds a distinct value that can be effectively highlighted on your resume.

How to Get the Most of Your Clinical Externship

So, how can you derive the utmost value from your externship experience? The path to achieving this objective entails meticulous preparation before the externship, unwavering focus during the actual experience, and comprehensive evaluation upon completion.

Set Clear Objectives and Goals

The first step to maximizing your clinical externship Medpathway is to establish clear objectives and goals. Define what you hope to achieve from this experience, whether it’s honing specific clinical skills, gaining exposure to a particular medical specialty, or refining your patient communication abilities. Setting these goals early on will serve as a roadmap, guiding your decisions and actions throughout the externship.

Embrace the Learning Opportunity

During your externship, you will find yourself at the epicenter of medical care, surrounded by experienced professionals. While you may be eager to jump in and start practicing, remember that observation is a powerful learning tool. Take the time to watch and learn from your mentors and colleagues. Observe their patient interactions, clinical assessments, and decision-making processes. Engage in discussions to understand the rationale behind their actions. This observatory phase provides a solid foundation upon which you can build your practical skills.

Active Engagement

As you gain confidence and familiarity, engaging in patient care is essential. Seek opportunities to participate under supervision. Whether performing a physical examination, assisting in a procedure, or presenting a case, these hands-on experiences solidify your theoretical knowledge and bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application.

Seek Feedback and Ask Questions

Feedback is a crucial aspect of professional growth. Don’t hesitate to seek feedback from your mentors and preceptors. Constructive criticism helps identify areas for improvement and highlights your strengths. Additionally, never underestimate the power of asking questions. Curiosity drives learning, and asking thoughtful inquiries demonstrates your dedication to understanding and refining your skills.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about externships you may want to consider before enrolling:

  1. What exactly is an externship, and how does it differ from an internship?

Externships are short-term, hands-on experiences where you shadow professionals in your chosen field, gaining insights into day-to-day activities. While internships often involve paid work and deeper involvement, externships focus on observation and learning.

  1. Why should I consider participating in an externship?

Externships offer a unique chance to explore a career path, observe professionals in action, and gain insights into a specific industry. Before committing to a longer-term role, they help you decide if a particular field aligns with your interests and goals.

  1. Are externships typically paid opportunities?

Unlike internships, externships are usually unpaid since the primary focus is on learning and observation. Some may offer stipends or reimbursements for expenses, but the main value lies in the experience itself.

  1. How can an externship benefit my future career?

Externships provide a realistic preview of your desired profession, helping you identify necessary skills and understand the day-to-day responsibilities. They also allow you to network with professionals, add valuable experience to your resume, and make informed career decisions.

  1. What does the site anticipate from me as a healthcare training student?

Success at your site is built upon the foundations of attendance, communication, and professionalism. While hard skills can be cultivated and instructed, lacking these essential three soft skills could hinder your achievement at the site.

  1. How can I make the most of my externship experience?

To maximize your externship, prepare by researching the organization and industry beforehand. During the externship, engage actively, ask questions, seek feedback, and build connections with professionals. Afterward, reflect on your experience, update your resume, and use the gained insights to inform your career choices.

Build Professional Relationships

Your clinical externship Medpathway is an opportune time to build professional relationships extending beyond the externship period. Connect with your mentors, attending physicians, and fellow students. Demonstrating a genuine interest in their work and showing appreciation for their guidance can lead to mentorship opportunities and valuable connections in the healthcare field.

Be Adaptable and Open-Minded

Every clinical setting is unique, and each patient encounter presents distinct challenges. Embrace this diversity in learning. An Affordable Clinical Externship Program Medpathway may expose you to patients from various backgrounds, medical conditions, and cultural contexts. Adapting to different situations enhances your clinical versatility and prepares you to handle a wide range of scenarios in your future medical career.

Reflect and Document

Amidst the hustle and bustle of patient care, take time to reflect on your experiences. Keep a journal or digital record of memorable patient cases, diagnostic dilemmas, and lessons learned. Documenting your journey helps consolidate your learning and is a valuable resource for future reference.

Time Management and Self-Care

Clinical externships can be demanding, requiring you to manage patient care, study, and personal commitments. Effective time management is key. Create a schedule that allocates time for patient care, learning, rest, and self-care. Prioritize your well-being to ensure you can give your best to both your patients and your own growth.

Leverage Technology

Technology is taking center stage in a swiftly evolving healthcare landscape, reshaping how patient care is delivered and managed. Your clinical externship provides a prime opportunity to delve into this digital revolution. Take this chance to acquaint yourself with electronic health records (EHR) systems, medical apps, and telehealth platforms. By immersing yourself in these tools during an Affordable Clinical Externship Program Medpathway, you’ll enhance your efficiency and prepare for the digital future of healthcare.

Electronic health records (EHR) systems offer healthcare seamless access to patient information and histories. As you navigate these systems, you’ll hone skills that are becoming increasingly essential in modern healthcare practice. Additionally, exploring medical apps and telehealth platforms will expose you to innovative ways of engaging with patients and delivering care remotely. By integrating technology into your clinical practice, you’ll not only enhance patient care but also position yourself at the forefront of a healthcare evolution that is being driven by digital innovation.

Reflect on Your Journey

As your Affordable Clinical Externship Program Medpathway comes to an end, take time to reflect on your journey. Consider how far you’ve come, the skills you’ve acquired, and the insights you’ve gained. Reflect on the challenges you’ve overcome and the successes you’ve celebrated. These reflections will not only help you appreciate your growth but also inspire you to continue your pursuit of excellence in the medical field.

Take Away

A Clinical Externship Medpathway is a pivotal stepping stone in your medical education, offering a dynamic and immersive learning experience. As you navigate the complexities of patient care, remember that your journey as a healthcare professional is characterized by continuous learning, growth, and a steadfast commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those you serve.