Visiting Student Rotation

The Institute for Plastic Surgery welcomes fourth-year medical students for a rotation with our institution.

There are two 4-week long rotations for students: a plastic surgery sub-internship and a hand-focused rotation. Traditionally, those interested in entering the field of plastic surgery have completed the sub-internship rotation. Interests are taken into consideration when making schedules to help make the experience as fulfilling and educational as possible. We are abiding by ACAPS and AAMC policies about visiting rotations.

Southern Illinois University School of Medicine utilizes the Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VLSO) Application for all visiting students. Applications are usually assigned based on availability on a first-come-first-serve basis. Dates for the rotation are flexible. Applications open on May 1 and decisions are on or around May 15.

The Tracey Meares Representation Matters Award will be available to one visiting student from an underrepresented background in medicine. Interested and eligible students should still apply via VLSO and submit application information to Naya Jackson (njackson31@siumed.edu).

 

Available Rotations

Basic Plastic Surgery Sub-Internship

Department: Surgery
Title: Basic Plastic Surgery Sub-Internship
Course Number: 80093
Course Type: Traditional

Description:
This elective will expose the student to the practice of plastic surgery at the Institute for Plastic Surgery, including reconstructive surgery after traumatic injuries and cancer resection, acute burn management, facial trauma, correction of congenital anomalies, breast surgery, aesthetic surgery, and hand surgery. The student will work closely with residents and faculty, seeing patients in clinic, rounding on patients, and participating in surgeries at both St John's Hospital and Memorial Medical Center. The student will be expected to take call with the residents and attend all resident conferences. The elective will provide a more comprehensive experience in plastic surgery in both the clinic and the operating room and allow greater contact with the faculty than the third-year surgical clerkship. The elective is designed for students interested in pursuing a career in plastic surgery or students interested in learning about the breadth of clinical problems seen in a university-based plastic surgery practice.

Objectives:
1. Introduce the student to the basic principles of assessment and indications for treatment in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
2. Gain experience in techniques of tissue dissection and wound closure.
3. Work as a functioning member of the plastic surgery team, including residents, nurses, therapists, and attendings.

Evaluation:
1. The student will be evaluated on a daily basis by faculty on knowledge base, technical skill, professionalism, preparation for cases, and ability to work with others.
2. The student will provide at least 3 learning objectives for the elective at the start of the elective and will provide at least 1 learning objective for each surgery in which the student participates.
3. At the end of the rotation, the student will give a talk on a topic of interest to plastic surgery faculty and residents.

Prerequisites:
*Successful completion of the surgery clerkship.

Contact:
Naya Jackson, Program Coordinator. njackson31@siumed.edu

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Nada Berry

Additional Faculty:
Michael Neumeister, MD
Robert Russell, MD
Nicole Sommer, MD


Enrollment: Minimum: 0 Maximum: 3
Credit Hours: Minimum: 4 Maximum: 4
Schedule: Full Time 4 weeks


Plastic Surgery: Basic Hand Anatomy and Pathology


Department: Surgery
Title: Plastic Surgery: Basic Hand Anatomy and Pathology
Course Number: 80103
Course Type: Traditional

Description:
This elective will incorporate study of the basic anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology of the hand and forearm. It will consist of four weeks of study, dissection of the hand, and participation in hand surgery, under the supervision of the plastic surgery faculty. Activities will include preoperative evaluation, scrubbing in the operating room on hand surgeries, and following the patients in postoperative care throughout the four-week experience.

Objectives:
1. Learn the anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology of the hand through dissection and reading.
2. Learn the pathological conditions of the hand and their treatment.
3. Learn the special techniques required in the treatment of hand injuries
4. Learn techniques of tissue care.

Evaluation:
1. The student will be evaluated by the completeness of the dissection of the hand, gathered knowledge of the function of the hand, and performance in the patient care.
2. The student will maintain a logbook of all patient encounters.

Prerequisites:
*Successful completion of the following clerkships: Surgery and Medicine

Contact:
Naya Jackson, Program Coordinator. njackson31@siumed.edu


Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Michael Neumeister

Additional Faculty:
Robert Russell, MD
Nada Berry, MD


Enrollment: Minimum: 0 Maximum: 1
Credit Hours: Minimum: 4 Maximum: 4
Schedule: Full Time 4 weeks