Medicine & Health

Brief Overview

A multitude of internships in medicine and health are available every summer sponsored by medical schools, hospitals, companies, research institutes, government agencies, non-profit organizations, public health agencies, and health care providers. Because most medically related internship programs are small and few programs recruit on college campuses, students are encouraged to search for opportunities through networking and the internet. Choosing a geographical location to conduct your search can be useful since many internship positions can be found at physicians offices, clinics and hospitals. Many pre-med students are searching for summer internships, therefore it is important for students to apply to several programs, 12 to 15 is an appropriate number. Internships can be loosely categorized into research opportunities which involve working with a researcher, designing experiments, collecting information and interpreting results and clinical opportunities which involve direct work with patients.

Helpful Tips

  • Set aside time to search for internships of interest – the lists are long and the opportunities are varied. Start in the fall and prepare yourself to spend significant energy on the project.
  • Network with others in the field. Talk to your professors especially if research is your interest. Obtain insight and advice from doctors, dentists, medical personnel, Notre Dame Alumni, and other successful people in the medical field. Talk to everyone because we all know someone in medicine!
  • Pay close attention to application deadlines. Ask for letters of reference early allowing the writers sufficient time to complete them. Prepare resumes and cover letters ahead of time so they are ready to go.
  • Approach employers directly and inquire about opportunities even before positions are posted. Identify employers using directories and databases, lists of internships students participated in last summer, and word of mouth.
  • Consider volunteer opportunities. Medical schools are looking for passionate and motivated individuals with outstanding personal qualities often evidenced by their volunteer activities.
  • Be persistent and don’t get frustrated. Opportunities continue to appear throughout the spring semester.

Internship Links

Develop Your Own Internship

Students can also contact employers directly to create internship opportunities.

Networking

Tips for networking with family, friends, and Notre Dame alumni. Learn how to obtain access to the Irish Online alumni database.

Professional and Student Organizations

Student Groups On-Campus

Below is a list of various groups with medical related interests on campus. Becoming active as a member of one or more of these organizations can be a great way to obtain experience in the medical field, develop leadership skills, meet people in medicine, and learn more about life on campus and assisting others. Visit the Student Activities Office for more information.

  • AIDS Awareness
  • American Cancer Society
  • First Aid Services Team
  • Forum on Biomedical Ethics
  • Health Occupations Students of America
  • Irish Fighting for St. Jude Kids
  • Memorial Hospital Medical Explorers
  • Minority Pre-Medical Society
  • Operation Smile Student Organization
  • Pre-Dental Society
  • Pre-Professional Society
  • Pre-Vet Club
  • Saint Joseph’s Chapin Street Health Center Volunteers
  • Students for Organ Donation

Professional Associations

Here is a list of various professional associations relevant to the medical field. Members of these organizations can be a terrific resource for finding out information in the field of medicine, networking, and possibly being a source for an internship.