Overlook Summer Internship Program (OSIP)

The Overlook Summer Internship Program (OSIP) is designed to expose college students to the health care field. We are confident that by participating in OSIP, you will have a better idea of what careers in medicine are all about and you will be able to make an informed decision for your future.

How is the program structured?
We have identified medical professionals (mostly physicians, but also therapists, administrators, nurses and social workers) who are committed to teaching and sharing their experiences. During the program, you will shadow these professionals in one-day rotations to see what life is like in each particular field. Rotations include experience in the operating room, emergency department, hospital floors, physician offices or meetings. You will have the opportunity to interact on a personal basis with the health care professionals.

Each day, Monday through Thursday, begins with a one-hour breakfast discussion led by a professional who will discuss his or her field. The focus of this group will be on the lifestyle and the pros and cons of each field. Thereafter, you will report to your assigned mentor in the setting he or she feels is most appropriate for your experience. Your day will be structured according to your mentor and will likely be very different each day.

Each Friday will consist of a half-day mentorship. The day will end with a lunch session designed to exchange ideas with fellow students about their current experiences and discuss topics of interest to the group.

How will this help me if I decide to apply to medical school?
The goal of this program is to help you make an informed decision about possibly entering one of the many exciting fields of medicine. Experiences from OSIP may be valuable throughout the medical school application process.

Will I be able to receive college credit for this program?
This program is not university/college accredited. However, it is possible that your college or university may consider this program for credit; we suggest that you contact your academic advisor to discuss this further. We will provide any information that might be needed for your institution to make an academic decision.

What are the dates and hours of the program?
The program will start on May 29, 2012 and end on June 22, 2012. Morning discussions are at 8:00am and the mentorships will begin at 9:00am. Friday mentorships will be in the morning at a time discussed with your mentor for that day. There will be a luncheon conference from Noon to 1:30pm. The program does not require Saturday or Sunday attendance.

You will be required to attend a one-day orientation on May 23, 2012. Failure to appear will result in automatic dismissal from the program. Hospital policies require that you submit to a background check and provide medical records prior to participating in the program. Tuberculosis testing is required and must be completed prior to the start date.

Will I receive an evaluation?
All participants in the program (students and mentors) will be asked to submit a daily evaluation of their experience. Based on these evaluations, the medical director will formulate a “letter of recommendation” for each student for future career and education use.

Is there a cost for the program?
There is an administrative cost of $500 to retain a space in the program. Based on outside funding, a portion of this amount may be refunded based on the student's attendance record in the program.

What about transportation?
Each student must provide his or her own transportation between locations. You will be traveling between locations on a daily basis; thus, it is imperative that you have a means of transportation.

Who can apply?
You must have completed at least one year of college to apply to this program. Consideration will be given to class level and academic standing.

How do I apply?
To apply, submit the following materials via email to: osip@atlantichealth.org

• Cover letter stating why you would like to be considered for the program (less than 300 words); please include contact information
  
• Current resume or curriculum vitae
  
• Two letters of recommendations (no relatives please)
  
• Copy of your most recent academic transcript

All materials must be submitted by February 1, 2012 to be considered. Interviews will take place in February and March 2012.

When will I find out if I can participate in OSIP?
We intend to make our decisions by March 15, 2012 and will let you know on or about that day.

Whom can I contact with questions?
Call the Overlook Summer Internship Program office at 908-522-5926 or email at osip@atlantichealth.org.

Learn more about OSIP >