Summer Research Assistant Internship with the George Washington University Department of Emergency Medicine
Research in the Department of Emergency Medicine
The mission of clinical research in the Department of Emergency Medicine at George Washington University is to advance available knowledge in the field of emergency medicine. Several faculty, residents, fellows, and students participate in a variety of research projects in our department. Studies range from chart reviews to multi-center clinical studies. Some of our studies only include a small sample of patients while others enroll thousands of patients. Our research involves a wide range of subject areas including the prescription of Tamsulosin for patients presenting with kidney stones, the use of a new FDA approved assay to test abscesses for MRSA, the comparison of traditional methods for placing intravenous lines with ultrasound guided technique, matching the antibiotic treatment of UTIs with specific bacteria, and the utilization of bedside ultrasound imaging in diagnosing small bowel obstruction, to name a few. Our faculty present at national and international conferences every year, and several publications are authored by our faculty, residents, fellows, and students in well known journals. Our commitment to advancing existing knowledge in emergency medicine is one we are very proud of, and hope to continue in the future.
Program Overview
The Summer Research Assistant Internship Program with the George Washington University Department of Emergency Medicine provides students the opportunity to engage in clinical research in an urban emergency department. Students are exposed to various research methods and fundamental elements of clinical medicine by spending time collecting data and interacting directly with patients, often working alongside the clinical care team. Summer research assistant positions are given to outstanding undergraduate and graduate students interested in pursuing a career in medicine, health sciences, clinical research, or other health related fields. Research assistants will work on studies that will provide them with exposure to the spectrum of clinical research including data collection, patient interaction, and utilization of innovative research methods employed in the emergency department.
The ability of a student researcher to adequately collect data in a vibrant and often times hectic environment will test individuals and help determine their intention to pursue a career in medicine or, perhaps just as importantly, to not pursue a career in medicine.
How will this program benefit you?
Individuals interested in pursuing clinical training or a research-focused career will learn a lot from this experience. Those individuals that are chosen for the program will have the opportunity to develop relationships with academic faculty working in the Department of Emergency Medicine while being exposed to the interworkings of a busy urban emergency department. The program will provide much insight to participants about what is required of clinical and research professionals, and will help students determine if clinical research is the professional path for them.
Program Requirements
- All applicants must be 18 years of age at time of application.
- Currently enrolled or graduated from college or graduate school. If you are a graduating high school senior, proof of enrollment for the upcoming fall semester is required.
- Undergraduate students, pre-medical students, post-baccalaureate students, and graduate students are welcome to apply
- Good academic standing.
- Proof of judiciary record or lack thereof from undergraduate institution. Note: students with a judiciary record may still apply to the program
- A strong interest in clinical research and pursuing studies in a health related field.
Application Process
- Application opens: November 4, 2013. Application to be filled out on line.
- Deadline to apply: January 10, 2014.
- Students will be asked to submit the following application materials:
- Resume
- Unofficial transcript
- Two letters of recommendation (one from a previous employer, one from a science faculty member)
- 1 page, single spaced essay in Times New Roman 12 point font and 1 inch margins explaining their interest in the program
- An initial paper cut of applications will take place and applicants will be notified by January 24th if they are invited to interview ( in person or by skype)
- Interviews will take place in late January through the end of February. Applicants will be notified between March 14 – March 28 of their selection to the program.
Program Overview
- Three day training and 10 week program (no exceptions on start and end date)
- Start Date: Wednesday, June 1, 2014
- End Date: Friday, August 10,2014
- Mandatory 24 hours in the Emergency Department each week (shifts range from 8am-12am midnight).
- Students are expected to keep Monday-Friday throughout the 10 weeks available for shifts. Students will be expected to work two Saturday shifts throughout the course of the 10 week program.
- Attend mandatory training June 1st – June 3rd from 9am-5pm
- Attend mandatory educational curriculum (bi weekly throughout the 10 weeks, journal club, guest speakers, etc.)
- Students will be required to complete a background check, drug screen, hospital orientation, and Medical Faculty Associates orientation in May of 2014
- Students will be required to read and sign a Research Assistant Code of Conduct. Students are responsible for all information included in the code and are to abide by the code at all times. Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken with those students that do not abide by the code
- Students will be required to complete CITI and HIPPA training
- Those applicants that are selected for the program will receive an hourly wage of $8.25 per hour.
Questions?
Please contact Suzanne Arnott at emedresearchsummerinternship@gmail.com or (202) 741-2955.
Pre-Health Studies at Georgetown University 