Welcome to Undergraduate Medical Education (UME) at NCH!
NCH UME onboards approximately 250 visiting students and observers who are interested in clinical experiences at NCH every year.
We currently coordinate rotations for medical students, physician assistant students, advanced practice registered nurse students, student registered nurse anesthetists, and observers.
UME also assists in the onboarding of visiting residents and fellows. If you are interested in a clinical experience at NCH, please view the policies and procedures listed below.
Medical Education
Information for Visiting Students
UME Onboarding Process
The onboarding process at NCH ensures a smooth and efficient start for all Undergraduate Medical Education (UME) learners. UME learners are medical students, PA students, APRN students, and CRNA students.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Rotation Scheduling & Affiliation Agreement:
- Once a learner has been approved for a rotation at NCH, we work with their home institution to verify the existence of an active affiliation agreement between NCH and the learner’s home institution.
- The learner/home institution is responsible for securing a preceptor within the NCH System.
- If an affiliation agreement is not already in place – your rotation start date may be delayed until an agreement is executed.
- Required Paperwork:
- The learner will receive an onboarding packet containing all necessary forms and instructions (e.g. application, confidentiality agreement, vaccination attestation, etc.).
- MS4 students follow a separate application process via VSLO (details provided in MS4 Rotations at NCH section).
- Orientation:
- The learner is added to our internal systems and an NCH student badge created.
- A HealthStream account is created, providing access to online orientation and training modules.
- Learners are expected to complete mandatory Electronic Medical Record (EMR) training and a mask fit test on the first Monday of their rotation.
- Reporting Instructions & Support:
- Clear reporting instructions are communicated to the learner, including expectations for attendance, evaluations, and any specific requirements.
- A designated point of contact at NCH is available to provide support and answer any questions throughout the rotation.
MS3 Rotations at NCH
NCH currently has established affiliations with the following medical schools for third-year medical students (MS3) rotations in Internal Medicine.
- University of Central Florida (UCF) College of Medicine
- Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
Our UME team has developed a structured curriculum that provides a comprehensive and standardized learning experience for participating medical students.
Rotations for MS3s from Other Medical Schools
NCH welcomes rotation requests from MS3s of other accredited medical schools. The UME Onboarding Process details above apply. The students or their school would need to secure their own NCH preceptor, and our team will facilitate the onboarding process.
MS4 Rotations at NCH
Fourth-year medical students (MS4s) are welcome to apply for elective rotations at NCH. We offer a structured curriculum of electives, designed by our UME team.
Types of Rotations:
- Internal Medicine
- Critical Care Medicine
- Emergency Medicine
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Palliative Care
Application Process:
- VSLO Application: All MS4 applications must be submitted through the Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO) platform.
- Application Deadlines: Please refer to VSLO for current deadlines.
- Requirements & Eligibility
- Good academic standing and completion of core medical education.
- Enrolled in a 4-year MD or DO program.
- Immunization and health requirements.
- Passed USMLE Step 1 / COMLEX-USA Level 1.
- Full list of requirements can be found on VSLO.
- Key Considerations
- Availability: Rotation availability may vary depending on time of year and specific subspecialty.
- Early Application: We encourage MS4s to submit their applications well in advance of their desired rotation start date to increase the likelihood of securing a placement.
Rotations for non-VSLO applicants
NCH welcomes rotation requests from MS4s whose school does not participate in VSLO. Applications from students with strong ties to the Southwest Florida area will be given priority consideration. Once your eligibility has been confirmed, the UME team will provide you with onboarding steps via email. The UME Onboarding Process details above apply.
Information for Visiting Residents
Application and Onboarding Process
Please review our Visiting Resident Policy below:
Visiting Resident Policy Document
To move forward with your application, please note that there is a $250.00 processing fee per resident. If you choose to proceed, email GraduateMedicalEducationOffice@nchmd.org with your request, and our team will respond with a list of required documents for onboarding.
Additionally, a Program Letter of Agreement (PLA) between NCH and your home institution must be executed. This may be issued by your home institution or NCH, and must be signed by both parties.
Your application will be considered complete once we have received all required documentation, the signed PLA, and the processing fee.
Finally, a welcome email with first-day onboarding instructions will be sent about a week before your visit.
Information for Observers
Request Process
Please review our patient observation policy linked below:
Patient Observation Policy Document
Some key things to keep in mind:
- All observers must have their own preceptor/sponsor lined up before submitting a request. A sponsor is the NCH physician who has agreed to supervise you.
- Once a physician has agreed to sponsor you, reach out to our team for the required documents to process your request.
- There’s a 28-day limit per year that an individual can observe. Please confirm the exact dates with your sponsor and add the dates to the request form.
- Observers do not receive an NCH badge and must be accompanied by their sponsor or a staff member at all times.
- Also, observation experiences are strictly restricted to shadowing a physician – there is no patient care or access to personal health information allowed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
What are the required documents for my rotation?
An onboarding packet will be provided once the rotation has been approved. It will include the Application, Confidentiality Agreement, Learning Agreement, and Vaccination forms.
What is the process for obtaining an NCH ID badge?
Once all onboarding documents have been processed and the rotation has been scheduled, an NCH student ID badge is created. Students pick up their badge at the NCH Business Center prior to EMR training.
Who can I contact if I have questions during my rotation?
Please contact our UME Program Coordinator for any support during your rotation. You can also contact your preceptor or the designated department contact.
What are the typical rotation lengths for medical student rotations?
Typical rotation length for medical students is 4 weeks. Other rotation experiences can vary based on your academic needs.
I’m a different type of healthcare student. Can I still rotate at NCH?
The UME team only assists medical students, PA students, APRN students, and CRNA students with onboarding for their clinical experience. All other healthcare-related students can reach out to the NCH Center for Learning and Innovation (CFLI) at education@nchmd.org for assistance.
How do I find a preceptor for my clinical experience?
- For students from affiliated medical schools: NCH typically works with your school to identity and secure a preceptor within the NCH system.
- For students with existing NCH connections: You may have already secured a preceptor through your own network within NCH.
- For other students: The NCH UME team will provide resources that will assist in identifying and securing a suitable preceptor within the NCH system.
At which NCH facilities do students typically rotate?
Rotations take place at various locations within the NCH Healthcare System.
What is the dress code for students?
Dress code varies depending on the specific rotation and department.
Are there any resources available to students during their rotation?
- Cafeteria
- Security
- Lactation Rooms
- Study/Rest Area
- Storage/Locker Room
- Health Care Services
- Wellness Center
Can I provide a copy of a Mask-fit test completed at my school?
NCH requires all student visitors to complete an on-site mask-fit test prior to commencing clinical duties. This ensures compliance with hospital safety protocols.
Contact Us
For inquiries or assistance regarding our UME Program at NCH, please call our Program Coordinator, Marisely Rojas, at the number below or contact GME directly at GraduateMedicalEducationOffice@nchmd.org. Reach out today to take the first step towards excelling at NCH.