How useful would a summer externship be?

[HarveyCushing]

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I know that it is really early, however I am looking at the Montana NHSC Search program which offers medical students a summer externship. I was hopping that this would be a great experience to get some hands on experience and see medicine in a rural setting since that is something that I am interested in. Since the program operates on a first come first serve basis (sites have limited number of available spots) I was thinking of getting my application in soon. If I go the FP route, the Montana Family Residency program has always interested me. So would this be a good use of my time, or should I think of doing something else?

 

[HarveyCushing]

Any advice from those of you who did one?

 

[Vytorin77]

I did a summer fellowship offered by the CAFP the summer after my 1st year. It was designed to give students a taste of what FP is about. I did 4 weeks with a family practitioner in private practice near my medical school. It was a great experience. It made me a lot more comfortable with my history and physical exam skills. The preceptor I had was great and let me help with procedures, took me to round, deliveries, etc. I felt like it did give me a good sense of what FP is about. One of the my classmates chose to do a rural site through the same program and also had a great time. I would highly recommend this type of program and even if you end up going into a field other than FP you will learn a lot that will be useful for any other field you do. Hope that helps.

 

[Frijolero]

I know that it is really early, however I am looking at the Montana NHSC Search program which offers medical students a summer externship. I was hopping that this would be a great experience to get some hands on experience and see medicine in a rural setting since that is something that I am interested in. Since the program operates on a first come first serve basis (sites have limited number of available spots) I was thinking of getting my application in soon. If I go the FP route, the Montana Family Residency program has always interested me. So would this be a good use of my time, or should I think of doing something else?

I know nothing of the summer externships but if it's anything like a 4th year elective I doubt you'll be disappointed. Plan on functioning as an intern: You'll be driving scopes, first assisting sections and other surgeries, first call in the ED afterhours, etc. A good time for sure, if that's what you're looking for.

 

[HarveyCushing]

Thanks for the posts. I look forward to it and think that I'll have a great time.