Undergraduate Pre-Med Students

S.P.E.E.D

Shadowing Physicians to Educate and Elevate Diversity

The Office of Diversity & Equity is collaborating with Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC) to provide shadowing opportunities for Seton Hall University students who are underrepresented in medicine. The primary objective of this program is to provide each student with exposure to the reality of medicine in an onsite teaching hospital setting. It is a unique way for the student to understand the clinical environment, the responsibilities, and challenges of practicing medicine. All participants will receive a maximum of 60 hours and receive a certificate of completion at the conclusion of the semester.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be pre-med
• Currently enrolled at Seton Hall University with the standing of at least a sophomore (60 credits)
• Identify as a student who is underrepresented in medicine (URiM)**

** According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), URiM is defined as individuals who are economically disadvantaged or of low socioeconomic status, or self-identify as a member of a racial or ethnic group historically underrepresented in medicine – African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian/Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander. Also included are first generation college students, those of rural upbringing, and veterans.

If you are interested in participating, please complete the application form below. Once your completed application is submitted, you will receive an email regarding needed documentation in 1-2-business days.

Notice: Once accepted into SPEED program, students will need to provide letter of reference, proof of immunities to MMRV, Drs. Note, HUMC Application, PPD test results within one year.

SPEED Departmental Availability:

HUMC Internal Medicine

• 3 open positions: Hospitalist/ Rapid Response Team
  SPEED students will shadow the faculty as they provide care for hospitalized patients. They will see clinical presentations, evaluation, and management of a wide variety of patients with complex diagnosis regarding inpatient care. This includes pneumonia, sepsis, MI, and heart failure.  SPEED students will have the opportunity to observe the rapid response team respond to patients acutely decompensating requiring stabilization.

  Schedule: Flexible Timing

• 1 open position: Endocrinology
  SPEED students will round on patients requiring inpatient care of diabetes.

  Schedule: Flexible Timing

• 1 open position: Palliative Care
  SPEED students will follow and observe various providers in the course of their daily work. SPEED students will assist patients and family members/caregivers in navigating the ETC facility and serving as liaisons between patients, their families, and provider staff. Volunteers will provide empathetic, sympathetic support and companionship to patients and families coping with an emergency.

  Additional Requirements: Students will conduct hourly patient experience comfort rounds.

  Schedule: Flexible Timing

HUMC Emergency Medicine

• 10 open positions: Emergency and Trauma Center
  SPEED students will follow and observe various providers in the course of their daily work. SPEED students will assist patients and family members/caregivers in navigating the ETC facility and serving as liaisons between patients, their families, and provider staff. Volunteers will provide empathetic, sympathetic support and companionship to patients and families coping with an emergency.

  Additional Requirements: Students will conduct hourly patient experience comfort rounds.

  Schedule: Flexible Timing

HUMC Pediatrics

• 2 open position: Pediatric Emergency Department Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital
  SPEED students will shadow an Emergency Department faculty member to observe the range of patients with acute illness and serious injury.

  Schedule: Monday and Wednesday 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

• 2 open position: Child Abuse and Neglect at Audrey Hepburn Children’s House
  SPEED students will be exposed to children who are being medically or psychosocially evaluated for child abuse and Comprehensive Health Evaluation for Children (CHEC) evaluations. SPEED students may also observe mental health evaluations and observe prosecutor Interviews if available. Expectations for the students include being punctual and respectful.

  Schedule: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. or 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Thursdays.

  ** Wednesday is preferred to observe general pediatric patients for CHEC evaluations.

• 1 open position: Pediatric Rheumatology at the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital
  SPEED students will be exposed to an array of patients with chronic rheumatic diseases—and potentially other educational sessions at lunchtime (resident/fellow presentations, interdisciplinary case discussions). SPEED students will be assigned to the Pediatric Rheumatology practice under the overall supervision of Dr. Yukiko Kimura; however, the specific provider they will be shadowing will depend on the session and the week.  The student will be expected to prepare a presentation about a specific condition or topic of his/her choice at the end of the semester.

  Schedule: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Monday – Friday OR 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Thursday

HUMC Surgery

• 3 open positions: Orthopedic Surgery 
  SPEED students will shadow one or several physicians that perform knee surgery, orthopedic oncology, pediatric orthopedics, hip surgery, and trauma. SPEED students will periodically present on topics such as knee arthritis, ACL tears etc.

  Schedule: Flexible timing Monday – Friday

• 2 open positions: Surgical Oncology 
  SPEED students will shadow Dr. Tara Balija on scheduled surgeries.

  Schedule: Flexible timing

• 2 open positions: Bariatric Surgery
  SPEED students will shadow Dr. Hans Schmitt as he performs laparoscopic abdominal surgery including laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, gall bladder removal, and hernia repair. The students will spend the day in operating rooms pre and post-operative rounds.

  Schedule: Mondays and/or Fridays starting at 7:30 a.m.