Academic Associate Program in Emergency Department
The Academic Associates Program (AAP) offers premedical or pre-health and post-baccalaureate students the chance to participate in clinical and translational research activities within the Emergency Department (ED) at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. This program allows students to interact closely with medical school faculty and staff in a dynamic healthcare setting, helping them build valuable relationships and gain insights into the medical field. Many students who have participated in the program have successfully advanced to medical and healthcare professional schools, benefiting from the support and mentorship provided by the AAP and ED staff. The experience gained through this program has been instrumental in enhancing their preparedness for medical school.
The AAP at HUP and PPMC is led by Dr. Benjamin Abella, while the program at CHOP is overseen by Dr. Joseph Zorc.
The programs at CHOP and HUP/PPMC are typically available during the fall, spring, and summer semesters, structured as a two-semester experience. In the first semester, students learn about ongoing clinical studies and develop essential skills such as screening potential participants, obtaining informed consent, interviewing participants, and collecting study data. Students who perform well may continue into the second semester, working individually with a faculty member and study coordinators on specific research projects. This provides opportunities to manage study data, handle patients outside the ED, and assist in the development and execution of studies.
Eligibility Requirements
The eligibility requirements for the Academic Associates Program (AAP) at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP), Penn Presbyterian Medical Center (PPMC), and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) are as follows:
- Academic Standing: Applicants must be in good academic standing.
- Educational Background: The program is open to premedical and pre-health post-baccalaureate students who are preparing for a career in medicine.
- Commitment: Students should be able to commit to at least two 6-hour shifts per week.
- Orientation and Lectures: Attendance at the program orientation, lectures, periodic study trainings, and research meetings is mandatory.
- Affiliation: Applicants must be affiliated with Penn. Preference is given to University of Pennsylvania Pre-Health Post-Baccalaureate Program students, but applications from University of Pennsylvania third and fourth-year undergraduates will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Immunization and Screening: Applicants must provide immunization records (measles, mumps, rubella [MMR], varicella [chickenpox]), TB screening (PPD test or equivalent), and influenza vaccination (in season).
- Certification: Students must complete a web-based course on the protection of human subjects in research, sponsored by the University of Pennsylvania or the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
For thorough eligibility and selection information, visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.