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Podiatric Medicine & Surgery Externship for Medical Students (PMSR RRA)

The purpose of the Externship Program at The Brooklyn Hospital Center is to provide the student with a well-rounded educational experience in the hospital environment and a familiarity with the residency training program of the hospital. The Externship allows the student to closely observe sophisticated reconstructive procedures of the foot, ankle and leg, as well as the management of patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings and management of trauma of the lower extremity.

As part of our commitment, the hospital accepts students from all podiatric medical colleges, up to six per month. The extern works closely with the residents, learning the intricacies of hospital protocol while gaining wide exposure to foot, ankle and leg surgery. The intent of the Externship Program is to provide the student with a firm academic background and to demonstrate the clinical relevance of this knowledge. This Externship will assist the student in preparing for the direct, hands-on experience that will be part of their educational training.

Educational Objectives

The Externship Program has been established to enhance the basic clinical educational exposure acquired by the students of podiatric medical schools. The Podiatry Division at The Brooklyn Hospital Center provides clinical educational objectives to maximize externs' potential as podiatric physicians. At the discretion of the program director, podiatric externs may observe and/or participate in various medical and surgical practice areas.

Upon the completion of the one-month Externship rotation, students should have accomplished the following:

  • Become familiar and proficient with most aspects of hospital procedure, protocol and medical charting
  • Developed the skills and understanding to perform a thorough medical and podiatric evaluation of both the surgical and medical patient. This includes performing the history & physical examination, assessing the surgical and anesthetic risk, interpretation of lab studies, evaluating and assessing pre-op radiographs and gaining an appreciation of the need for specialty consultation relative to general patient cares
  • Learn standard operating room protocol, surgical assisting, basic surgical techniques and instrumentation
  • Comfortably assess postoperative patient progress. This includes evaluation and assessment of the cardiovascular, respiratory, excretory and musculoskeletal systems
  • Develop an appreciation of the wide variety of pharmacologic agents available in the hospital setting. This includes the proper use of antibiotics, analgesics, antiemetics, hypnotics, muscle relaxants and others
  • Gain exposure to the basic technique(s) of medical photography
  • Provide a working differential diagnosis and treatment plan for lower extremity trauma cases

Student Presentations

Student presentations are usually held on the last Tuesday of the Externship. Externs must present a 15- to 20-minute PowerPoint presentation on a surgically based topic. The topic must be approved by the Chief(s) or Dr. Falcone during the first week of the Externship.

Evaluations

All externs will be evaluated upon the conclusion of the Externship. An evaluation is provided by each extern's respective school.

Requirements for Externship Program

All clerkship applications must be submitted through the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine AACPM Clerkship Application process via www.dpmclerkships.org.

Clerkship Handbook for The Brooklyn Hospital Center can found on www.dpmclerkships.org.

For specific Institutional documentation required by each student, please contact Maritza Garcia, Podiatry Residency Coordinator at mgarcia@tbh.org.