Acting Internships

This rotation is preferred for fourth-year medical students interested in applying for a neurosurgical residency. However, students interested in neurology, critical care, or general surgery/trauma would also benefit from this rotation.

Each four-week rotation is composed of one-week assignments to the tumor, vascular, spine and pediatric services. Students are expected to fully participate in the service, including morning “pre-rounds,” conferences, OR, clinics, and other didactic activities. Students are on-call six times per month, including two weekends. While on-call, students are expected to perform a history and physical exam, present cases during rounds, and assist in the operating room. Finally, students are asked to prepare one, 10-minute presentation to be given at the end of the rotation, during an afternoon conference (Mondays and Thursdays).

Elective

This rotation is designed for those fourth-year medical students applying into non-neurosurgical fields, but desire specific exposure to neurosurgical topics.

The four-week rotation is composed of one-week assignments to the tumor, vascular, spine and pediatric services. However, a specific schedule can be tailored to individual interests. Students participate in the service, including conferences, OR, and other didactic activities. Call is encouraged, but not required, and is left to the discretion of students in fulfilling their educational goals. Finally, students are asked to prepare one, five-minute presentation, to be given at the end of the rotation during a daily or weekly conference.

Selective

This rotation is designed for third-year medical students exploring careers in neurosurgery. If students decide to pursue neurosurgery, they are strongly encouraged to take the AI rotation.

This four-week rotation is composed of one-week assignments, tailored to the individual interests of the student, as advised by faculty or the chief resident. Students will participate in the service, including conferences, OR, and other didactic activities. Call (one to two nights) is encouraged, particularly for those with a strong interest in neurosurgical residency.

This year, with relaxation of  COVID-19 restrictions, we are able to welcome medical students from other institutions to experience neurosurgery at UAB.  The UAB Department of Neurosurgery participates in the Visiting Student Application Service (VSAS) program.

Each four-week rotation is composed of four separate one-week assignments to the tumor, vascular, spine and pediatric services. Students are expected to fully participate in the service, including morning “pre-rounds”, conferences, OR, clinics, and other didactic activities. Students are on-call six times per month, including two weekends. While on-call, students are expected to perform a history and physical exam, present cases during rounds, and assist in the operating room. Finally, students are asked to prepare one 10-minute presentation to be given at the end of the rotation, during an afternoon conference (Mondays and Thursdays).

Prerequisites for an externship include:

1. Enrollment in an accredited medical school (MD or DO)
2. Application via the VSAS program
3. CV and Step I USMLE Board score for review

Additionally, interested students are asked to contact Kristen Riley, M.D., at koriley@uabmc.edu, four to six months in advance of the planned start date.

Due to limitation of resources, visiting student rotations are restricted to students and graduates of U.S. medical schools.

Finally, if accepted to participate in an externship, students will receive orientation and scheduling information from the School of Medicine scheduling office representative Marla Ferguson. Our Administrative Coordinator, Debbie Mielke, dmielke@uabmc.edu will also be in contact with you prior to the start of your rotation.  Students will also be put in contact with one of our Senior Residents one to two weeks in advance of the start date to discuss and plan your rotation. We look forward to working with students to provide an optimal educational experience.