نظرة عامة على البرنامج

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Introduction to the Undergraduate Internship in Neurosurgery Program

The Undergraduate Internship in Neurosurgery Program is offered in conjunction with the Behavioral Neuroscience Program at Western Washington University, the Cascade Brain and Spine Center, and St. Joseph's hospital. This 10-week program provides an exciting opportunity for highly motivated students interested in pursuing higher education and careers in Medicine and Clinical Research.

Program Overview

In this program, Behavioral Neuroscience undergraduate students accepted into the internship program will work between 4 and 10 hours per week with a physician mentor from the Cascade Brain and Spine Center. The program is very competitive, offering a unique experience for students to explore the day-to-day operations of medical practice.

The Experience

Interns will shadow a neurosurgeon in a medical office and observe the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of a variety of neurological and neurosurgical cases. They will also have the opportunity to attend surgeries and observe post-operative care in the hospital. Additionally, interns can engage in independent study by researching specific clinical conditions, surgical treatments, intended outcomes, and prognosis.

Program Requirements

Applying for the Internship

Internships for the Undergraduate Internship in Neurosurgery Program are competitive; students will be accepted into the program based on compatibility and merit. Applications submitted in Spring Quarter will be considered for either Summer or Fall Quarter, and applications submitted in Fall Quarter will be considered for either Winter or Spring Quarter.

Preparing for the Internship

Once a student has been accepted into the program, they must:

1. Provide up-to-date immunization records
2. Sign a PeaceHealth Confidentiality Agreement and Application to Observe documents
3. Complete an orientation workbook
4. Provide the Program Specialist with proof of Malpractice Insurance

Failure to complete any of these requirements will disqualify a student from participating in the program.

Starting the Internship

The student will finalize arrangements and schedule with their internship clinical associate during or before the first week of the quarter. Interns should expect to spend 4 to 10 hours per week with their clinical associate, either in the clinical offices, surgical center, or hospital.

Evaluation of the Internship

• Weekly Internship Summaries: The intern must complete a weekly summary report for each week of the internship. Missing two consecutive weekly reports may result in removal from the internship.
• Final Report and Program Evaluation: The student must submit a summary of their internship, highlighting the knowledge and skills gained in the program and how the program contributed to their career goals.

Eligibility Requirements

Before Applying

Before applying for the Undergraduate Internship in Neurosurgery Program, students must:

1. Be accepted into the Behavioral Neuroscience Program
2. Be enrolled as a Western Washington University undergraduate student at the time of the internship
3. Have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.9 at the time of applying

Preference will be given to students demonstrably interested in higher education, particularly careers in Medicine and Clinical Research.

After Acceptance

All students who are accepted into the program must complete the following prior to beginning their internship:

1. Purchase Malpractice Insurance: Students must pay for malpractice insurance, which costs $17 for 12 months.
2. Medical Document Manager: The CastleBranch immunization tracker provides secure online storage for immunization records.
   • The medical documents required for this internship include proof of immunization for measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, TdaP, COVID-19, and influenza (or declination, if allowed).
   • A Two-Step tuberculosis (TB) screen is also required.
3. Sign a confidentiality agreement with St. Joseph's Hospital.
4. Acquire a name badge from the Behavioral Neuroscience Program Specialist.

Conduct and Attire

Interns are bound by confidentiality agreements and must respect patient privacy at all times. Interns are expected to represent the University in an ethical, courteous, and respectful manner. The dress code for the internship includes:

• No jeans
• No shorts
• No sweatpants
• No shirts with large logos or statements
• No tank tops or bare midriffs
• No baggy clothes or clothes that drag the floor
• No exposed undergarments
• Comfortable closed-toe shoes are required; socks or stockings must be worn.
• No sandals
• No flip flops
• No dangling jewelry

Removal from the Internship

Violations of conduct or ethical practices may result in removal of the student from the Undergraduate Internship in Neurosurgery Program. Failing to meet eligibility requirements will also result in removal from the internship. Missing two consecutive weekly reports may result in removal from the internship.