American College of Rheumatology Research and Education Foundation/Abbott Medical Student Clinical Preceptorship
Applications Due Online August 2, 2012
Application, format and submission requirement: All applications must be submitted electronically via the ACR REF Web site by 5:00 PM (ET) on the deadline. Please avoid jargon and abbreviations in your application. To submit your application, visit the Web site for a link to the online application, which will be available at least 30 days prior to each deadline. Additional information is available at www.rheumatology.org/REF, or by contacting the REF at REF@rheumatology.org or (404) 633-3777.
The purpose of the ACR REF/Abbott Medical Student Clinical Preceptorship is to introduce students to the specialty of rheumatology by supporting a full-time clinical experience.
This program is not designed to replace a clinical clerkship in rheumatology nor will the student receive academic or elective credit. Programs should be designed as a “shadow” experience with the student observing the preceptor. The student should not be expected to perform independent patient management. Examples of such experiences would primarily include observing patient contact in the clinical office, accompanying the preceptor on rehabilitation facility visits, hospital rounds and/or conferences at the preceptor’s institution.
Eligibility
Only students enrolled in LCME or AOA COCA accredited medical schools or undergraduate students who have been accepted into medical school are eligible. MD/PhD students and previous student participants are not eligible. Preceptors are responsible for selecting student applicants and must be ACR members. Preceptors are limited to two students each summer and must complete the online application. Individuals who are personally related to the proposed student are not eligible to serve as the student’s Preceptor.
Interested students should contact their medical school’s department of medicine/rheumatology or a division of pediatric rheumatology in a department of pediatrics.
Citizenship
Applicant must be a citizen of the United States, Canada or Mexico. US residents who are not citizens must be in lawful possession of a permanent resident card. Individuals on temporary (J1, H1) or student visas are not eligible Non-citizen nationals are eligible to apply. This generally includes persons born in outlying possessions of the United States (e.g., American Samoa and Swains Island).
Award Terms and Funding
This is a one-year award. Students will complete either a four or eight-week program during the academic year. Preceptorship cannot be used for elective credit. Students will receive a $1,500 stipend per four-week session. Mentors will receive a $500 stipend per four-week session. Students are also eligible to receive complimentary registration as well as reimbursement for up to $1,000 in travel expenses to attend the ACR/ARHP Annual
Scientific Meeting. Students must notify the REF prior to attendance to receive these benefits.
Reporting Requirements
The preceptor must participate in all efforts to track the outcome and careers of students who participate in the program. This information is vital to measure the success of this program. Each participant (preceptor and student) will be required to complete an online evaluation at the end of their participation in the program.
Review Criteria
Preference will be given to preceptors who are in a community-based office practice. Applications are rated on the following criteria:
1. Preceptor’s ability to provide a clinical environment and his/her demonstrated experiences as a clinical mentor.
2. The clinical environment, including any experiences specifically prepared for summer students.
Funding Source
Funding for this award is made possible through the Abbott Endowment for Rheumatology Development.
