FAQ

Program Questions

Q: Is this internship paid?
A: Participants who have successfully completed all elements of the program will receive a stipend after the 6-week internship. Please note that participation stipends may be considered taxable income.

Q: What are the program dates?
A: The program typically runs from mid-June to late-July.

Q: What is the program schedule?
A: Participants are required to dedicate 20-25 hours per week to the program, from 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday, throughout the 6-week period.

Q: I have other commitments during the summer, can I still participate?
A: Participants are expected to be fully engaged for the duration of the 6-week internship. Summer classes, employment, or other commitments should not interfere with your program attendance or engagement.

Q: Where will the internship be located?
A: Most program activities will take place at 750 Highland Ave., Madison, WI.

Q: Will housing be provided?
A: No. This is a non-residential program. Participants will be expected to commute to the program site daily. If transportation might be a barrier for your participation, please let us know when you submit your application. This will NOT affect our decision on your application.

Q: Is there a dress code for the program?
A: Participants are expected to dress professionally and appropriately, for their time in the Department; business casual attire will be required on most days.

Q: What does an average week in the program look like?
A: Participants will actively engage in research by working with surgeon and medical student mentors, and your peers, on existing research projects. 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.

Application Questions

Q: Will you accept applications past the deadline?
A: 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 the program coordinator.

Q: Do I need my official high school transcripts?
A: No. You can upload a copy of your unofficial transcripts to the application form. Most students are able to access their transcripts through the student center on their school website or you can request a copy from your guidance counselor.

Q: I am not sure if I am interested in research, however I know that I am interested in healthcare and/or medicine. Should I still apply?
A: 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.

Q: Will I be shadowing a physician during the summer program?
A: This is a research internship, not a clinical shadowing program. Participating students may have the opportunity to shadow a surgeon on a very limited basis in a clinical setting, but there are still many restrictions in place at UW Health due to the COVID-19. Students will be able to view surgical procedures remotely and participate in simulated surgical skills training in our state-of-the-art simulation center, as schedules allow.