The Hispanic Center of Excellence (HCOE) at Albert Einstein College of Medicine is the first of its kind in New York State. It is a federally funded program whose mission is to catalyze and operationalize the College’s institutional commitment to underrepresented minorities in the Bronx and provides leadership in research and education in Hispanic health issues. The Center shall develop innovative methods to strengthen and enhance academic performance by minority students, improve education in diversity and cultural competency for all students and faculty, and foster minority faculty development and promotion.
THE SUMMER UNDERGRADUATE MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
The undergraduate mentorship program is a six-week program that requires at least a thirty-hour per week commitment. The program will be comprised of a six-hour per week commitment to a shadowing experience with an assigned mentor and fourteen hours per week of lecture attendance. These fourteen hours will be distributed into the following three core curriculum components: six hours clinical didactic, six hours medical informatics and two hours of MCAT preparation and test taking strategies. MCAT review will be limited to eligible students. The student will be expected to spend two, three-hour or three, two-hour blocks shadowing their assigned mentor. Every effort will be made to match students with mentors in the areas of their specified interest. In addition, students will be expected to attend weekly lectures to be given by faculty members of the Hispanic Center of Excellence and special guests. Included in the lecture series will be a weekly informal “rap session”. These “rap sessions” will take place once per week, and are designed to be a forum for informal discussion and networking, as well as an opportunity for students to gain insight into the nuances of a career in the medical field.
Students are also expected to conduct a research project while in the program. Upon completion of the six weeks, the students will be expected to submit a written paper and give an oral presentation on their topic. The topics are expected to be based on either the student’s clinical experience with their mentor and/or on topics discussed during one of the three core curriculum components with particular attention to its significance on Hispanic and Minority health status. The oral presentation will be given at the conclusion of the program to fellow students, family members, mentors and AECOM faculty. Students will have the support and guidance of their mentors and HCOE faculty for these activities. In addition, parental participation is encouraged with specific parental workshops on navigating the medical school admissions process and information on financial aid.
DATES
June 26th – August 7th (Orientation: Monday, June 22nd)
STIPENDS/HOUSING
Upon completion of the six weeks, students will be awarded a $1,000 stipend and a certificate of completion. An award ceremony will be given at the end of the program, where all students, parents, and HCOE faculty and mentors will be invited to attend. Transportation vouchers will be provided for participation in lectures and mentoring experience. Breakfast and/or lunch will also be provided during scheduled lectures.
At present time student housing is not provided.
SHADOWING EXPERIENCE
Mentors will have the ability to tailor the shadowing experience according to individual student skill level, motivation and interest. Mentor site assignments will range from in-patient hospital based, outpatient ambulatory care or in clinical research settings. Students will be given hands-on experience and encouraged to focus on the patient and physician dynamic. Research opportunities will be limited to eligible students.
LECTURES
A weekly lecture series will be presented during the six weeks of the program. These lectures will be given by AECOM/HCOE faculty and will cover a wide range of topics including interviewing the patient, the medical school application process (including mock interviews), cultural competency, and review of medical literature and study of basic research design. Other activities will include field trips and tours of clinical facilities. Students will have the opportunity to establish relationships and ask questions in an informal, relaxed setting during the weekly rap sessions with medical students, residents and HCOE faculty.
MEDICAL CLEARANCE
All students are expected to have had medical clearance before their start date (By Orientation June 22nd). A medical clearance form is included in the application packet. Should any questions/issues arise regarding this matter, please contact the Hope Spano, HCOE administrator at (718) 430-2792.
** Medical clearance by AECOM Occupational Health Department is required upon acceptance to the program**
GOALS OF THE PROGRAM
To enhance student’s awareness of the nuances of the field of medicine by exposing them to a health care setting in which they can observe the daily routines and practice of physicians.
To increase student’s awareness of the importance of cultural sensitivity and competence in the health field.
To expand student’s knowledge of medical topics by providing them with various didactic sessions.
To introduce student’s to the patient-doctor relationship and the practice of patient interviewing.
To provide student’s with a network of health care professionals who will help to facilitate and enforce student’s future goals.
To strengthen student’s decisions to enter the medical field by fostering a long term relationship with their mentors and by providing practical helpful information on the medical school entrance process.
We hope that these goals will serve to motivate students to pursue their future medical career endeavors, build confidence and foster working mentorship relationships.
TROUBLESHOOTING
If you are unclear about the application process, you should contact the Summer Undergraduate Mentorship Program, please contact Hope M. Spano, HCOE Administrator at 718-430-2792 orhcoe@aecom.yu.edu or fax 718-430-3729
Application Deadline is April 17, 2009