Medical Explorations

Note:  Other than the Medical Explorations Programmed experiences scheduled from June 14 - July 2 no other observing experiences will be scheduled during that time period.  You may request observing rotations after that date.

The Medical Explorations program provides high school and college students with a more prolonged clinical observer experience. Currentlyl, students spend several weeks during the summer rotating through various clinical services and physician offices associated with the University of Tennessee College of Medicine Chattanooga . The students get a more in-depth view of what it is really like to be a physician. This program is the next step for students that have been through the Youth Leadership Forum and are interested in getting more exposure to physician life.  Plans are being considered to expand the Medical Explorations Program to include experiences throughout the year.  Do not apply for Medical Explorations if you have a specific physician in mind and want a more brief observing experience.  For that type of experience, please click on the Sponsored Clinical Observer link to the left.

The Nedical Explorations Program is designed to:

• Provide high school seniors and college students with a prolonged opportunity to observe physicians in clinical practice.
• Inspire students to pursue a career as a physician.

The Medical Explorations Program will run from June 11 through July 2, 2010.  Students will work with physicians from 8am to noon. The afternoon is optional, giving students the chance to work a summer job or continue their experience at the hospital. The Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine will be held in the first part of June 2010.

Students will have the opportunity to rotate through various clinical services at Erlanger Medical Center, including Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Orthopaedic Surgery, Radiology, Surgery, and others. Another new option available this summer is the chance to participate in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Research Program as a research assistant. Students with a particular interest in sports medicine might consider this new rotation.

Click on the link to the right to complete and submit an online application for the 2010 Summer Medical Explorations Program.  Deadline is May 8, 2010.  You will also need to submit documentation of your GPA of 3.5 or higher, a letter of recommendation from a teacher, and a permission form signed by your parent or guardian to:

R. Kent Hutson, MD, Chair and Chief

UTCOMC and Erlanger Department of Radiology

Erlanger Medical Center

975 East Third Third Street

Chattanooga, TN  37403

Note:   The Medical Explorations Permission Form can be accessed online by clicking on the left-hand menu link.  This is required if you are under 18 and must be signed by a parent or guardian and mailed to Dr. Hutson at the address above.  A letter of recommendation must also be received from a teacher, guidance counselor, principal, or college advisor.  Click on the right-hand link to access the Online Application Form.  Be sure to mail your other documentation to Dr. Hutson at the Erlanger address above.

Email medex@erlanger.org if you have particular questions about the Medical Explorations Program.

Revised 6/14/2010