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Summer Clinical Preceptorship at Ochsner Medical Center

ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ÊÓƵ of America, in partnership with Dr. Victoria A. Smith and Dr. Vernard S. Fennell, offers a select group of students the opportunity to participate in an 8- to 10-week summer clinical preceptorship at Ochsner Medical Center in Louisiana. This is an excellent opportunity for undergraduate students to gain immersive, hands-on experience in clinical care, health advocacy, and research—allowing them to apply academic knowledge in real healthcare settings and see how values like compassion, wisdom, and courage can shape individual and community well-being.

Tracks Offered

Students may apply to one of two specialized tracks based on their interests and career goals:

• Primary Care / Population Health Track:
  Primary care is the frontline of medicine, providing comprehensive individual and community health services. This track focuses on addressing individual health needs and how they are influenced by social determinants of health—such as access to care, nutrition, and chronic disease prevention. Students will participate in clinic alongside Dr. Smith and her colleagues and contribute to research and advocacy projects aimed at improving health outcomes in diverse populations.
• Neurosurgery Track:
  Neurosurgery is a highly specialized surgical field focused on treating disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system. Students will observe advanced procedures such as tumor resections, spinal surgeries, deep brain stimulation for movement disorders, aneurysm clipping, and minimally invasive endoscopic techniques. This rare undergraduate opportunity offers invaluable exposure to complex surgeries and possible clinical research.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will:

• Develop practical clinical skills and gain firsthand exposure to patient care in primary care or neurosurgery settings
• Enhance understanding of biomedical, clinical, and public health research methodologies and their applications to patient outcomes
• Build professional communication, teamwork, and leadership skills in a multidisciplinary healthcare environment
• Expand professional networks with clinicians, researchers, and healthcare leaders S
• trengthen preparation for graduate school, medical school, or careers in health professions

Expectations and Responsibilities

Participants will:

• Actively engage in clinical rotations, research projects, and advocacy activities aligned with their chosen track
• Attend and participate in grand rounds, tumor boards, and other departmental meetings as scheduled
• Collaborate with faculty mentors, clinical staff, and fellow interns to maximize learning and contribute meaningfully
• Complete a final presentation or report summarizing research findings or clinical experiences at the program’s conclusion
• Maintain professional conduct consistent with Ochsner Medical Center policies

Eligibility

Applicants must be:

• Current undergraduate students in good academic standing at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ÊÓƵ of America
• Interested in pursuing careers in medicine, public health, biomedical research, or related fields
• Available to commit to the full 8- to 10-week preceptorship from early June through mid-August 2026
• International students who receive acceptance must apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) visa approval

Financial Support

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, participants will receive financial support to cover round-trip airfare from LAX to MSY (or travel of equivalent cost) and lodging. Participants will share a residence near Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans, creating a close-knit and collaborative community throughout the program.

Please note this is otherwise an unpaid opportunity; participants are responsible for their own meals, personal expenses, and any additional costs not covered by the program. Participants may also be eligible, however, to apply for other summer grants through ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ÊÓƵ of America, though these require separate applications.

Application Timeline

Applications will open November 1, 2025

Informational Meeting: Wednesday, November 19 2025, 12:00–1:00 PM, The HUB & Zoom (See Sokannect for in-person registration; Register for virtual option )

Application Deadline: Friday, January 31, 2026, 23:59