About Musculoskeletal Health Partners Pre-Med & Pre-PA Internship
Our mission is to offer Interns a comprehensive and enriching experience that prepares them for their future careers in healthcare. We provide hands-on exposure to the operations of an active medical practice, allowing Interns to engage directly with real-world scenarios that enhance their clinical and administrative knowledge. Additionally, we offer tailored support and mentorship to help them navigate the competitive application process for medical and physician assistant (PA) schools. Beyond acceptance into these programs, we focus on fostering the skills, confidence, and professional insight necessary for building long-term, successful careers in the health sector.
Internship Overview
At SDNeurosurgery (SDN) and South Bay Neurosurgery (SBNS), we welcome students from all academic years. However, we strongly prefer those in their final year or penultimate year of school. This preference stems from the following reasons:
Many schools grant academic credit exclusively to upperclassmen.
Academic credits are often limited, and using them in your final years maximizes the opportunity to secure a full-time paid position with us.
Students in their final years or gap years are typically more informed of their goals in healthcare and understand what they wish to learn and gain from this internship.
We understand the value of our investment in training pre-medical and pre-PA students and are committed to fostering long-term professional relationships with our Interns.
Opportunities for Students Without Academic Credit
For students who have exhausted their academic credit or choose not to apply for it, we offer two alternative pathways:
1. Research Department
Work on ongoing research papers, such as case reports and projects, with a focus on papers and presentations involving minimal patient interaction. Participate in team activities and collaborate on specific tasks and initiatives.
2. Medical Assistant Training Program
The program is a nine-month paid training opportunity, costing $250 per month. Participants develop competencies similar to those of interns, including assisting with clinical tasks, patient care, and documentation. In addition, the program includes regular exams to assess knowledge and skills, and upon successful completion, participants earn a medical assistant training certificate, enhancing their qualifications for future roles in the healthcare field.
Internship Expectations
As an Intern, you will be expected to:
Fully immerse yourself in the daily operations of the practice.
Adapt to a dynamic environment with minimal supervision.
Perform substantial clerical work and provide exceptional customer service.
Travel, as required, between multiple clinic locations.
Training and Performance
Ongoing training will be provided, but you must demonstrate independence and quick thinking.
You will master the 15 core competencies essential for incoming medical students.
Internships are performance-based, with evaluations at 3, 6, and 9 months to determine continuation or termination.
Letters of recommendation are reserved for exceptional interns who pursue a Staff position; completing the internship solely for a recommendation is discouraged.
Workload
Part-time Interns
Minimum of 15 hours per week.
Full-time Interns
Minimum of 40 hours per week.
Requirements
To succeed in this Internship, you must:
Demonstrate professionalism, responsibility, and respect in all tasks.
Be punctual, HIPAA compliant, and adhere to Practice policies.
Attend all training sessions and complete assigned work promptly.
Think critically by analyzing, questioning, and applying logic.
Always be ready to learn and demonstrate improvement.
Pathway to Leadership: Gap Year Leads and Letters of Recommendation
We welcome outstanding interns who choose to take a gap year to step into leadership roles within our practices. These individuals will undergo a rigorous interview and application process to be selected as Leads, ensuring they demonstrate the dedication and excellence required for the position. Letters of recommendation will be granted exclusively to those who commit to a gap year, reflecting their deeper engagement and contribution to our work. As such, our Internship is fully committed to supporting our Leads in securing placements in medical and PA schools, providing them with the mentorship, experience, and resources necessary for success.
Outcomes
This Internship goes beyond shadowing and requires a commitment to high standards of performance and professionalism. By the end of the internship, you will gain confidence and expertise for medical school applications, acquire practical knowledge and personal growth to excel in interviews and personal statements, and be well-prepared to meet the demands of a medical career.
