In 1971 the Arizona Heart Foundation established a program designed to motivate and inspire college students considering a career in medicine. The Cardiovascular Summer Student Program, a pro bono six-week program, is conducted annually during June and July. The class size is limited to eight students to ensure a quality educational experience. Students attend didactic lectures and participate in clinical rotations at both the Arizona Heart Institute and Arizona Heart Hospital.

Each student will participate in the following clinical rotations:

• Screening clinic
• Non-Invasive testing laboratory
• Cardiac catheterization laboratory
• Cardiovascular and thoracic surgery
• Endovascular surgery
• Grand rounds
• Cardiovascular conditioning and rehab clinic

Clinical Objectives

• Expose undergraduate students to all aspects of cardiovascular medicine.
• Provide an excellent foundation on which to base decisions regarding a medical career.

At the conclusion of this six-week program, participants will be able to:

• Apply their knowledge of anatomy and physiology to individual clinical situations. Review patient charts and all diagnostic studies prior to interventional procedures
• Describe the interaction between the healthcare team and patient during screening and interventions.
• Discuss the organization of the operating rooms and endovascular suites, and the responsibilities of each staff member.
• Describe operating room set-up, patient preparation, and patient monitoring for both open and endovascular procedures
• Discuss the duties and responsibilities of the anesthesiologist, perfusionist, radiological technician, scrub nurse, and circulating nurse.
• Review discharge instructions as provided to post-surgical patients.

Applicant Determination

Students are selected based on the quality and depth of academic work, the content of the letters of reference, and the depth of interest in cardiovascular medicine reflected in the biographical sketch and volunteer or work experience. Arizona Heart Foundation provides equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, sex, national origin status, age, marital status, veteran status or disability.

While there is no tuition for this program, the Arizona Heart Foundation does not provide housing or transportation. These are the responsibility of the student.

Application requirements:

• Be currently enrolled in a college or university as a full-time student at the time of application.
• Have completed one academic year by June 1st of the application year.

Application submission documents:

• Academic records (an official transcript)
• Biographical sketch including personal and professional goals, and interest in medicine.
• Two letters of reference:
  1) From a professor who is familiar with the quality of your academic work 2) From a non-academic reference who is familiar with your character, integrity, and temperament (e.g., employer, church leader, or volunteer organization leader).

  Upon acceptance to the program the following documents are required:

  • Proof of recent TB test and results
  • HIPAA (patient privacy) form (provided at orientation)
  • Insurance and Foundation non-liability release (provided at orientation)

  The deadline to submit applications and required documentation is March 05, 2010. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

  Commitment

  The Arizona Heart Institute and Arizona Heart Hospital are committed to excellence, and the Arizona Heart Foundation expects no less from the Cardiovascular Summer Students. Because of the limited number of student positions available in this popular program, we require that each student commit to the following requirements:

  • Full 6-week commitment (no exceptions)
  • 8-10 hours per day
  • Punctual attendance
  • Respectful of patients’ privacy
  • Participation in, and presentation of, a group research project

  The Cardiovascular Summer Student Program for 2010 will begin June 7, 2010 and end July 15, 2010. For more information please contact:

  Arizona Heart Foundation
  1910 E Thomas Rd Ste 220
  Phoenix, AZ 85016
  (602) 200-0437
  Foundation@azheart.com

  For an application click here.

  For a sample presentation schedule click here.

  Visit our website at www.azheart.com for more information about the Arizona Heart Institute and Arizona Heart Hospital.

  
  
  
  
  

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