Project Healthcare - NYUSM/Bellevue Hospital Center

[huzzfuzz]

Has anyone ever participated in their summer program? Or knows someone that did? Their webpage doesn't really go into depth about the program so any info anybody has will be greatly appreciated!

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[sillydoc2230]

I know someone who did and absolutely raved about it! It's ultra competitive to get in, but once you're in it gives you great exposure to what medicine is truly like.

 

[BlackSails]

I worked in a lab at bellevue last summer and had a few friends in the program. From what I saw and heard:


They got exclusive rights to observation in the ED. I walked down there in scrubs (rather than the project healthcare polo shirt), with a NYUMC ID prominently displayed, and they wouldnt let me observe anything.

They did have OR observation privileges, but I believe they were fairly restricted. I on the other hand, could walk into any OR (except joint replacements) and observe.

They can have fairly long hours.

I have seen them involved in transporting patients. I believe they are also involved in playing with some kids, and recording information during H&Ps. I am sure they also do things like get charts and records for the healthcare staff.

 

[huzzfuzz]

thanks for the comments guys!...to the last poster, do you know where any of the participants stayed during that time?...or if they got a stipend or something?...

 

[FishDish]

I did project healthcare the summer before last and really loved it. You work approx four five-hour shifts a week in the ER, and also get to observe in the OR (any operation thats going on). In the ER you do lots of EKG's, transport patients, talk with them, I really enjoyed working with the patient population that comes into Bellevue, you'll learn a lot. You rotate through shifts in the adult emergency room, pediatric emergency room, urgent care, and psych emergency room, and can always go observe when traumas come in. There is no stipend, they give you a meal ticket for lunch but that's it.

I'd recommend it, let me know if you have any other questions.

 

[Drogba]

I did project healthcare the summer before last and really loved it. You work approx four five-hour shifts a week in the ER, and also get to observe in the OR (any operation thats going on). In the ER you do lots of EKG's, transport patients, talk with them, I really enjoyed working with the patient population that comes into Bellevue, you'll learn a lot. You rotate through shifts in the adult emergency room, pediatric emergency room, urgent care, and psych emergency room, and can always go observe when traumas come in. There is no stipend, they give you a meal ticket for lunch but that's it.

I'd recommend it, let me know if you have any other questions.

Unfortunately this makes it prohobitive for most people not from NYC. Not many people can pay for rent and food in NYC out of pocket with no source of income. Its too bad because I was looking in to applying.

 

[huzzfuzz]

Unfortunately this makes it prohobitive for most people not from NYC. Not many people can pay for rent and food in NYC out of pocket with no source of income. Its too bad because I was looking in to applying.

My thoughts exactly...10 weeks is a long time to go without an income and yet still have to pay for meal and board...I was planning on applying for summer 2009...it's good i found this out now!...

 

[Drogba]

My thoughts exactly...10 weeks is a long time to go without an income and yet still have to pay for meal and board...I was planning on applying for summer 2009...it's good i found this out now!...

Its really a shame. I mean its not like its somewhere with a low cost of living its NYC for god sake. Couldn't NYU atleast provide housing?

 

[jbar]

I also did PHC, but I did it several years ago (summer 2001). I really liked it, and it's one of the reasons that I'm thinking about going into EM. Let me know if you have questions. The pay thing is tough but there are a lot of unpaid internships out there. I remember we were discouraged from working since our shifts were so all over the place, but most of them were over by early evening. So one could probably work a partime job during PHC, but don't hold me to that.

 

[BlackSails]

thanks for the comments guys!...to the last poster, do you know where any of the participants stayed during that time?...or if they got a stipend or something?...

My friend (and I actually) both commuted from Long Island. You might be able to get some sort of funding from your school. Many colleges have money to fund community service.

 

[BlackSails]

Its really a shame. I mean its not like its somewhere with a low cost of living its NYC for god sake. Couldn't NYU atleast provide housing?

If I want housing from NYU this summer, I will have to apply for research funding and use it for foregone wages.

 

[Drogba]

If I want housing from NYU this summer, I will have to apply for research funding and use it for foregone wages.

You go to NYU? Anyway what I said about NYU was ridiculous they are a poor stingy school I should've known better than to suggest they would actually provide anything. They offered me the worst financial aid package of any school I applied to and they claimed they actually were offering me significantly more than they offered most other students (they didnt even meet 100% of demonstrated need). Great way for NYU to guarantee their student body is predominantly made up of rich kids.

 

[TexanGirl]

I know someone who did and absolutely raved about it! It's ultra competitive to get in, but once you're in it gives you great exposure to what medicine is truly like.

How ultra competitive?

My friend (and I actually) both commuted from Long Island. You might be able to get some sort of funding from your school. Many colleges have money to fund community service.

Yeah, I have a ton (like literally, a ton) of family in Brooklyn and Queens, so I'm not worried about housing. However, do you think they'd be less likely to take on a Texas applicant out of fear that he/she would be less likely to participate in the program because of the distance/costs? The program sounds amazing, so I hope they take me seriously.

You go to NYU? Anyway what I said about NYU was ridiculous they are a poor stingy school I should've known better than to suggest they would actually provide anything. They offered me the worst financial aid package of any school I applied to and they claimed they actually were offering me significantly more than they offered most other students (they didnt even meet 100% of demonstrated need). Great way for NYU to guarantee their student body is predominantly made up of rich kids.

No kidding, what's worse is that there are actually kids who rationalize that spending more on college means that they're somehow getting a better education. 😕

 

[Drogba]

Would your family be interested in subletting a room to me. I will compensate them with my lovely demeanor. I am also from texas, show some love ;]

 

[TexanGirl]

Would your family be interested in subletting a room to me. I will compensate them with my lovely demeanor. I am also from texas, show some love ;]

If there's some moolah accompanying that lovely demeanor, it'd be even better! 🙂

Or better yet: you could try being homeless in NY for 10 weeks. Write a novel about it. Let it become a NY Times bestseller. Secure med school acceptance the following year. 😀

 

[Drogba]

If there's some moolah accompanying that lovely demeanor, it'd be even better! 🙂

Or better yet: you could try being homeless in NY for 10 weeks. Write a novel about it. Let it become a NY Times bestseller. Secure med school acceptance the following year. 😀

You can have moolah or demeanor its a zero sum game. The more I have to spend money the less pleasant I become 😛. Of all the cities to attempt to be homeless in, NYC would not be my choice.

 

[tourniquet1963]

does anybody have a link to that program where i can get more info.. thanks!

 

[BlackSails]

You go to NYU? Anyway what I said about NYU was ridiculous they are a poor stingy school I should've known better than to suggest they would actually provide anything. They offered me the worst financial aid package of any school I applied to and they claimed they actually were offering me significantly more than they offered most other students (they didnt even meet 100% of demonstrated need). Great way for NYU to guarantee their student body is predominantly made up of rich kids.

*shrug* NYU gave me much more than any other school I applied to. And aid packages include work study and loans to meet 100% of demonstrated need. Most of the people I know here have taken out large student loans to study.

 

[Drogba]

*shrug* NYU gave me much more than any other school I applied to. And aid packages include work study and loans to meet 100% of demonstrated need. Most of the people I know here have taken out large student loans to study.

From collegeboard.com

Average percent of need met: 65%

That is atrociously low. Taking out 3rd party loans to meet demonstrated financial need is not acceptable to me. Its NYUs loss though really, all the intelligent students with financial need will be poached by any of the numerous institutions that are much more generous. I also would like to have a student body thats economically diverse, but thats just me.

 

[BlackSails]

That is atrociously low. Taking out 3rd party loans to meet demonstrated financial need is not acceptable to me.

Have fun in med school then.

 

[Drogba]

Have fun in med school then.

I think you would agree we are comparing two different things. Considering the fact many of us will be taking out massive loans for med school, undergraduate expense is even more important. 65% of need is atrocious because so many institutions provide 100% of need, unlike in medical school. Their financial aid policy is indefensible for a topish private university and I am wondering what they are doing wrong that they can't afford to provide aid for their students.

 

[BlackSails]

I think you would agree we are comparing two different things. Considering the fact many of us will be taking out massive loans for med school, undergraduate expense is even more important. 65% of need is atrocious because so many institutions provide 100% of need, unlike in medical school. Their financial aid policy is indefensible for a topish private university and I am wondering what they are doing wrong that they can't afford to provide aid for their students.

What they are doing wrong is living in downtown NYC. Many students, in addition to the financial aid, also do work study and take out the offered loans, like the Federal Stafford and PLUS loans. We also get paid to do research, which is nice. (Up to 2k per semester for research projects. Some, espically for science will be earmarked for expenses, but you can specifically request money for forgone earnings from work.)

 

[Drogba]

What they are doing wrong is living in downtown NYC. Many students, in addition to the financial aid, also do work study and take out the offered loans, like the Federal Stafford and PLUS loans. We also get paid to do research, which is nice. (Up to 2k per semester for research projects. Some, espically for science will be earmarked for expenses, but you can specifically request money for forgone earnings from work.)

You are mistaken, all of those are part of the financial aid package and thus the 65% of need NYU meets. Not meeting 25% of need means NYU sends you a financial aid package that looks something like this

Estimated cost: 45000
Expected family contribution: 10000
Demonstrated need: 35000
Grants+loans+worstudy: 20000

Uhm... NYU you're a tricky one, you thought by not mentioning the 15k of unaccounted cost I wouldn't notice didn't you. Silly silly NYU. Seeing as you determined my demonstrated need to be 35000 you will age that 20k is not enough aid.

Also, columbia does fine providing for its students.

(The above is an example and not reflective of my own financial circumstances).

 

[TexanGirl]

You are mistaken, all of those are part of the financial aid package and thus the 65% of need NYU meets. Not meeting 25% of need means NYU sends you a financial aid package that looks something like this

Estimated cost: 45000
Expected family contribution: 10000
Demonstrated need: 35000
Grants+loans+worstudy: 20000

Uhm... NYU you're a tricky one, you thought by not mentioning the 15k of unaccounted cost I wouldn't notice didn't you. Silly silly NYU. Seeing as you determined my demonstrated need to be 35000 you will age that 20k is not enough aid.

Also, columbia does fine providing for its students.

(The above is an example and not reflective of my own financial circumstances).

If you look at the size of NYU's undergraduate enrollment and the size of their endowment, the figures start to make sense. Columbia is a much smaller, more intimate university for undergrad at ~6000 kids whereas NYU is practically bursting at the seams at ~20,000 undergrads. Factor in the size of endowment and Columbia will undoubtedly have more to offer in terms of financial aid for each student.

But you are absolutely right, Drogba, in insinuating that NYU should do a better job in making its education affordable to lower/middle income folks; the loan/grant ratio is atrociously high. That, along with the % of need met, paints an accurate picture of how much a university is committed to meeting financial needs of its students. So, that 35k of need in your fictitious example would actually be about $12,000 in actual grant/scholarship money. Beauteous, huh?

NYU is a fabulous school and all, but it's financial aid leaves much to be desired. There are anomalies though. I know one kid who got offered a very competitive scholarship there that basically gave him a full ride--however, I'm pretty sure he was in the top 1-2% of applicants. Bottom line: look elsewhere if you need the $$$.

 

[TexanGirl]

does anybody have a link to that program where i can get more info.. thanks!

I'll link you, if you promise not to take my spot. 😀

Nah, I'm kidding. Here it is:

http://www.med.nyu.edu/emergency/electives/college/proj_healthcare/

 

[anthroguy]

If your grades and SATS (2300ish) are high and you have good extracurriculars, NYU will throw bucketloads of money your way during undergrad. If your not one of these people, hopefully your parents will have a 6 figure bank account to foot the bill or you'll be looking at loands.

 

[Drogba]

If your grades and SATS (2300ish) are high and you have good extracurriculars, NYU will throw bucketloads of money your way during undergrad. If your not one of these people, hopefully your parents will have a 6 figure bank account to foot the bill or you'll be looking at loands.

Not true. I was in the top 6% of my class and 99+% for the SAT.

 

[mm3781]

One other thing, their financial aid for med school was even worse. It has begun to change now since they hired a really good financial aid director. The problem is (at least I think it is) that there are some administrative people who can pull strings for certain students. I ended up leaving NYU after 2nd because of the cost (and I hated New York). I was only getting $3500 scholarship, which was nowhere near where it should have been given my performance. Just a heads up. The teaching is 1st class though.

 

[Drogba]

One other thing, their financial aid for med school was even worse. It has begun to change now since they hired a really good financial aid director. The problem is (at least I think it is) that there are some administrative people who can pull strings for certain students. I ended up leaving NYU after 2nd because of the cost (and I hated New York). I was only getting $3500 scholarship, which was nowhere near where it should have been given my performance. Just a heads up. The teaching is 1st class though.

What a bunch of hoebags. I was thinking of applying there for med school assuming that the financial structure would be different but I guess this is not the case. Bellevue sounded like a good place to do the clinical years. Its almost shameful for a school of that stature to make itself prohibitive to the majority of students.

 

[sillydoc2230]

if you're looking for cheap housing for a summer in nyc, you can always look into dorm housing at columbia. its a little far away from nyu med, but its not as expensive as renting or subletting a legit apt and the subway takes you everywhere. columbia also has a ton of undergrads who stay on campus over the summer and there is still a decent bar scene. they usually give you dorms with kitchens in them so you can cook and save money like that also. just throwing that idea out there for people interested in this program with no where to stay.

 

[BlackSails]

if you're looking for cheap housing for a summer in nyc, you can always look into dorm housing at columbia. its a little far away from nyu med, but its not as expensive as renting or subletting a legit apt and the subway takes you everywhere.

Not from columbia to NYUMC. The best you can do is the 1 down to penn station, then walk to 1st avenue. I commuted last year, and did the walk from Penn Station. Its a nice walk, but when its raining, or when it is hot (which it is alot) its awful. You can take the bus, but espically during rush hour, its faster to walk.

The cheapest housing you can get is probably from youth hostels. One of my friends stayed at one up around 80th st I think, im sure there are some closer to the medical center.

 

[BlackSails]

What a bunch of hoebags. I was thinking of applying there for med school assuming that the financial structure would be different but I guess this is not the case. Bellevue sounded like a good place to do the clinical years. Its almost shameful for a school of that stature to make itself prohibitive to the majority of students.

You do realize that most medical schools are very stingy with financial aid, and the vast, vast majority of med students take out large loans, right?

 

[Tony326]

There's always housing available at the NYU undergraduate campus and there are shuttle buses that go between the Medical Center and the undergrad campus.

And if you're on a really tight budget, I suppose you could purchase a meal plan as well..

http://www.nyu.edu/summer/housing/

 

[anthroguy]

Hey Drogba, I'm sorry to hear that, but if your application is screened and your taken into one of their Scholars Programs which the school defines as the top 10% of NYUs entering class in terms of grades, sats, satIIs, and extracurriculars, you will basically get tuition for free and two week-long trips over first and second year paid for by the school. Everyone in the program basically got into a better school, but got shafted by financial aid there, and then came to NYU because of the merit scholarship.

There are other trustee scholarships as well which are very generous.

 

[Drogba]

You do realize that most medical schools are very stingy with financial aid, and the vast, vast majority of med students take out large loans, right?

There are large loans and there are 250k worth of loans. Not all medical schools are that stingy with financial aid either, though obviously are more stingy than undergrad colleges.

 

[Drogba]

Hey Drogba, I'm sorry to hear that, but if your application is screened and your taken into one of their Scholars Programs which the school defines as the top 10% of NYUs entering class in terms of grades, sats, satIIs, and extracurriculars, you will basically get tuition for free and two week-long trips over first and second year paid for by the school. Everyone in the program basically got into a better school, but got shafted by financial aid there, and then came to NYU because of the merit scholarship.

There are other trustee scholarships as well which are very generous.

There is no need to be sorry, I'm currently in a "better" school (rankings, selectivity, endowment; don't want to get into an argument about school comparisons). The only reason I applied to NYU is because I thought I'd like to live in NYC. Like I said they did offer me what they referred to as a "substantially more generous" package than their average student but they didn't mention my qualifying for any particular program. Most schools of this stature have made a distinct transition away from merit to need based scholarships; its sad to see NYU not following this trend. I wonder what percent of those students who qualified for the Scholars Program actually enrolled at NYU. Also, I would be interested in seeing what the stats are for the "top 10%" of NYU seeing as the top 25% of students score higher than a 1410 (MATH + READING). Its just disappointing to see one of America's most visible schools be so backward in its financial policies when so many other schools are making an attempt to increase their accessibility to those of any socioeconomic background.

 

[marina227227]

Can someone please tell me if there are specific start/end date for Project Healthcare, or is that up to the student?

 

[premedmind]

Bump..

I just applied to this program actually. It seems like a really fantastic opportunity, especially since it's in NYC.

What do you guys think are my chances of getting in, as I have nothing to gauge myself off of?

GPA: 3.84 (they didn't ask for a transcript, but wanted a resume?)

LOR's: Very good. I was the top student in both classes, and the professors got to know me pretty well through my participation.

Essay: Pretty good I guess?

EC's: Worked as an EMT-B for one summer, also have experience volunteering in ER's etc. etc. as well as experiencing volunteering for a local fire dept as an EMT-B.

 

[KcsA]

I was in the program during the summer of '05. The application process is fairly easy. The program directors-former PHC volunteers-pick who gets in. Frankly, they don't care about your GPA, etc..... They want mature people who can work with Bellevue's patient population. After you hand in the app, they'll call you for an interview then I got in around February. You learn a lot, mainly because it's a teaching hospital and the doctors are more than happy to answer any questions.

 

[TheNewHans]

I got my interview on March 27th but you said you got in around Feb... Does this mean I'm less likely to get accepted?

 

[msallison]

I interviewed in March, also, and haven't heard anything. Has anyone out there gotten news about the Summer 2010 internship?

 

[msallison]

I guess I got rejected--I haven't heard anything. Has anyone, or does anyone know anyone, who's been accepted to NYU/Bellevue Project Healthcare 2010?

 

[drmartin]

At least now I don't feel so bad, I never heard back from Project Healthcare either.

I'm kind of disappointed that they wasted half a Sunday of my time. Most of the 5-hour "interview" was spent sitting in a chair waiting to be called, even though they insisted beforehand that the whole 5 hours was necessary for the interview.

I also feel they are trying to make themselves more important than necessary by calling in so many people to be interviewed, and telling us all how most of us would not get the internship.

Oh well.

 

[madmarge]

Oh, wow, I'm so glad I found this! Count me in with the sour grape 😉 people who NEVER heard back from Project Healthcare.

I agree, Drmartin, they said they had 300 applicants, and brought in over 150 for interviews for 50 spots. They acted like they were proud of the fact that only 1 of out 3 of us would be selected. And the interview seemed disorganized, mostly just sitting around doing nothing.

After making us come down for a 5 hour interview, they should at least have the courtesy of emailing us and saying we weren't selected. The whole experience seemed very, very unprofessional.

 

[TheNewHans]

I think I remember the head nurse saying only the accepted students will get an email about it. I was surprised that they actually sent me a rejection email on March 31. The email pretty much said they had to reject me because upperclassmen are their priority, which is understandable. I wish I've applied for more internships though, now I'm sitting in front of a computer from 8 to 5 doing boring office work. 🙁

Are you guys going to apply again next year?

 

[msallison]

NewHans, thanks for your input!

I don't remember anyone saying we wouldn't all get a rejection notice. Also, why did they bring you in for the interview if your lower-classman status disqualified you?

I don't think I'll try again. I agree that they brought in way too many people for their unorganized 5-hour interview, and wasted a lot of people's time.

 

[bhanu]

i just finished this internship and im a rising sophomore. when i applied to the internship i really didn't have anything noteworthy on my resume except for a decent gpa (3.9) from first semester. the program is really competitive i guess but i don't think that my application was incredible. luckily i got an interview though. when coming in for my interview (a very disorganized but helpful interview) i was very intimidated as they said that the people to our left and right would probably not make it in if we did. i honestly think it all came down to the interview. and don't believe anyone if they say that the program looks towards upperclassmen cause that's not true. out of the 51 kids in the program I was one of about 9-10 students who just completed their freshman year. just make sure you have a good essay and you'll score the interview

after completing the program i have to say it's completely life changing. i guarantee you will love it. bellevue is an incredible place and the program is definitely loads of fun. most students were from out of town and i'm pretty sure they'd agree with me if i sayit's worth renting a place for this program. i was a local so i was lucky (wooot nyc!)

ANYWAYS. just apply, trust me you won't regret it if you get it my duude

 

[rickblas]

i just finished this internship and im a rising sophomore. when i applied to the internship i really didn't have anything noteworthy on my resume except for a decent gpa (3.9) from first semester. the program is really competitive i guess but i don't think that my application was incredible. luckily i got an interview though. when coming in for my interview (a very disorganized but helpful interview) i was very intimidated as they said that the people to our left and right would probably not make it in if we did. i honestly think it all came down to the interview. and don't believe anyone if they say that the program looks towards upperclassmen cause that's not true. out of the 51 kids in the program I was one of about 9-10 students who just completed their freshman year. just make sure you have a good essay and you'll score the interview

after completing the program i have to say it's completely life changing. i guarantee you will love it. bellevue is an incredible place and the program is definitely loads of fun. most students were from out of town and i'm pretty sure they'd agree with me if i sayit's worth renting a place for this program. i was a local so i was lucky (wooot nyc!)

ANYWAYS. just apply, trust me you won't regret it if you get it my duude

Wholeheartedly agree with this post! I was part of Project healthcare 2009, and it was what tipped my decision over to pursue dentistry rather than medicine. A very eye opening program and worth looking into if the financial burden of staying in NYC without pay is not that bad (I was from NYC so it wasn't for me). I also did not have that great of stats when I applied...just a good gpa aka 3.8~ and applied as an upper sophmore with some previous hospital and dental clinic experience.

 

[vanillabear55]

Anyone do this, this past summer? I'm definitely looking into it for Summer 2011, I was just wondering about how difficult the selections process has gotten lately.

 

[krose113]

I too am interested in applying for Summer 2011, but I'm finding that the link to the application on the PHC site is down. Has anyone else had this problem? I e-mailed Michael Marra, director of the Pavers program, but he insisted that the link was good.

I guess my question is if the application is unavailable until the date they actually start accepting them. It seems as though the information given on the website has not been updated so it's a little confusing.

Thanks everyone!