Each year, Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute hosts two students for a summer externship in dementia care. The program gives first-year medical students at UW SMPH an opportunity to work with physicians virtually in dementia diagnostic clinics, primary care and neurology. The program focus is on the geriatric population, specifically people living with dementia, and also includes exposure to a wide range of older patients with chronic conditions. Students also spend time with other health care providers and learning more about community resources.
Here’s what a graduate of the 2022 externship told us about the program:
“My time during the externship taught me about dementia and geriatric care not only from the perspective of healthcare providers, but also from patients, caregivers, social workers, and more. The experience was incredibly formative and equipped me with many new tools to care for my future patients, regardless of which specialty I choose. I am grateful for the abundance of knowledge, empathy, and time that was shared with me over these 6 weeks!”
The six-week, virtual program is June 5 – July 28, 2023, Additional details about the program and an application link are available on the Summer Externship webpage.