FAQ

Eligibility and Application Process

Question: What if I forgot to submit part of my application? Can I submit it at a later time?
Answer: Please do your best to submit all documents that are part of your application at one time. If a portion of the application needs to be submitted separately, contact Sarah Pavao to resolve. No forms will be accepted after the deadline.

Question: How do I get a copy of my high school transcripts?
Answer: You should be able to obtain a copy of your transcripts by asking your guidance counselor.

Question: I am not sure if I am interested in research, but I am interested in a clinical career, can I still apply to this program?
Answer: Students uncertain about their interests in a research career are encouraged to apply as this is a great opportunity to learn more about research careers as well as careers in surgery and other areas of healthcare. However, this is not a clinical shadowing internship. The majority of the time is dedicated to research and learning about research in healthcare.

Program Structure and Requirements

Question: Will I be shadowing a physician during the summer program?
Answer: This is a research internship, not a clinical shadowing program; however, participating students may have the opportunity to shadow a surgeon on a very limited basis in a clinical setting (one or two half-days). Students will be able to view surgical procedures remotely and also participate in simulated surgical skills training in our state-of-the-art simulation center as schedules allow.

Question: Will I have a mentor in the program, or am I on my own?
Answer: You will have a surgeon as your primary mentor, as well as a secondary mentor who will be either a medical student engaged in summer research or other research staff. Most students meet daily with their secondary mentors. There is also a program coordinator who you can direct your questions, concerns, and feedback to at any time.

Question: How much time will I have to devote to the internship program?
Answer: All students will be expected to participate in the program for a minimum of 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday for the 6 week period of time. Some program requirements, including reading, writing a research report, and developing and practicing a research presentation, require time outside of the typical internship hours. This program is not recommended for students who are unwilling to commit time outside of the standard work day.

Question: Will I be able to participate, or will I only be able to watch others doing their jobs?
Answer: Students are expected to be active members of the research team and to contribute to the research project, as well as participate in supplemental learning activities and seminars. We aim to make this as much of a hands-on training experience as possible. However, students will not be able to participate in the direct care of patients during observations. Those are observation-only experiences.

Question: What will I learn if I am selected to participate in this program?
Answer: Under the guidance of enthusiastic faculty mentors, students will develop an introductory-level knowledge base regarding the fundamental issues related to clinical research and balancing a research career, and be encouraged to include research and health care in their career goals. Students will learn a lot about careers in surgery and related specialties.

Question: What will I actually be doing on a day-to-day basis?
Answer: Students will actively engage in research by working on existing projects led by surgeon and medical student mentors. In addition to research, structured enrichment activities will be provided each week to expose students to a variety of opportunities and experiences in surgery and the academic community at the University of Wisconsin. Enrichment activities include tours, presentations from physicians and other healthcare providers, simulated surgery activities, education sessions on medical devices and technology, etc. Students will also benefit from ACT preparation courses.

Question: Will I have to wear certain clothes in order to be in the research area?
Answer: Students are expected to dress professionally and appropriately for their time in the Department; business casual attire will be required on most days.

Eligibility and Application Process

Program Structure and Requirements

Other Questions

Surgery Clinical Research Experiences for High School Students