Visiting Elective for URiM Students

David Satcher Acting Internship

University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center Office of Community Impact, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion created the first national model for the recruitment of medical students from groups underrepresented in medicine. This was instituted to ensure both the diversity of future generations of healthcare leaders and that underserved and underrepresented community needs will be met. A diverse clinical workforce is necessary to meet the needs of all patient populations.

The David Satcher Acting Internship hosts 5 – 10 medical students annually from groups underrepresented in medicine, offering hands-on clinical elective experiences and exposing students to career opportunities in academic medicine. Acting Internships are four weeks, from June through November. Block times may be flexible if necessary. A $2500.00 stipend is awarded to each scholar.

UH is an affiliate of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. David Satcher was the first African American to graduate with his MD PhD from the Case Medical Science Training Program. He was the 16th Surgeon General of the United States and former Secretary for Health in the Department of Health and Human Services. His tenure of public service also includes serving as Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from 1993 to 1998.

Scholars Receive

• $2500.00 stipend to assist with travel and housing costs related to the rotation
• 4-week clinical elective rotation offered from June through November
• Participate in Department clinical and scholarly activities as an active team member. 
• Assigned faculty advisor and community advisor and ample opportunities to network with UH faculty, residents, and staff 
• Opportunity to meet with Residency Program Director for elective chosen

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should meet the following criteria:

• Fourth-year students from groups underrepresented in medicine specifically; Black/African-American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American/Alaska Native, and Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian.
• Currently pursuing a medical degree at an LCME-accredited institution.
• In good academic standing.
• Completed core clinical internships.
• Home school approval to participate in desired elective at University Hospitals.
• Completed USMLE Step 1 before start of rotation.
• Medical students in LCME accredited medical school.

Application Process

1. Complete AAMC-VSLO application indicating preferred internship elective. Access linked here to AAMC-VSLO.
2. Complete the David Satcher Supplemental Application. The online application requires 2 PDF letters of recommendation, 3 responses regarding interests in program, demographic data and preferred electives and dates.

For questions about the David Satcher Acting Internship, please email M. Elizabeth Ruttenberg.

For questions about the VSLO application process or selection of electives at UH Cleveland Medical Center please email Erin Zawolowycz.

Selecting Acting Internship

Applicants select from internships listed in the VSLO Elective Catalog. Please read the descriptions for the detailed information — some electives may not be offered year-round.

Applications are being accepted for a 4-week block rotation from May 2024 to December 2024. The review process is at the end of March and early April 2024. Note: All visiting student electives are 4-week rotations only.

Please look at the List of Electives on the website to ensure that your elective choice is still open for your block of choice before you apply.

Alternate Internship Choices

In the event that your primary clinical elective selection is filled, you are advised to list two alternate choices.

• Registration in an elective will be confirmed only after the application form has been received and approved. Students will be notified by email of the results of their application.
• There are no two-week electives for visiting students.

Malpractice Insurance

Malpractice and/or general liability insurance is not provided to visiting medical students. This must be provided by the student or his/her medical school. Documented proof of health insurance, malpractice coverage and a record of immunizations are part of the VSLO application. Documentation of student-purchased liability coverage must be confirmed 30 days prior to the start of the elective(s). If your school does not provide such coverage please contact our medical student office immediately.

Health Insurance

The School of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University requires all visiting medical students to have valid personal health insurance, whether through their medical school or via personal coverage. University Hospitals Case Western Reserve University does not provide personal health insurance for visiting medical students.

Immunization Requirements

Visiting David Satcher Acting Interns must submit verification of completion of the following immunizations:

• Hepatitis B: series of three doses; serology, if available.
• Measles, mumps and rubella. Immunization or titer, in the case of measles, if the application had the disease, a doctor's signature is required to confirm office record.
• Chicken pox (varicella); if no documented history, an antibody titer to measure immunity is strongly recommended
• Diphtheria/tetanus; record of booster within the past 10 years
• Polio; completed series of immunization indicating type of vaccine, as well as date of last booster
• Tuberculosis: PPD by Mantoux method or interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs), within the past year prior to completion of David Satcher Acting Internship. If positive, chest x-ray results are required. Students who have received BCG vaccine must specify date and may be required to provide chest x-ray results.

Housing

More information concerning the availability of housing at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center is reviewed under the Medical Student Office Visiting Students FAQs.