Medical Scholars Externship : Health Sciences Program : Hanover College

Medical Scholars Externship

The Medical Scholars externship is a unique opportunity geared specifically for individuals who seek to pursue a career in medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, optometry, dentistry, or public health. Inspired by the clinical rotations undertaken by third and fourth year medical students, the externship partners with King's Daughters' Health and local health providers in nearby Madison. This immersive ten-week program offers participants opportunity to gain a front row seat to numerous medical specialties, including: family medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics & gynecology, otolaryngology, anesthesiology, and emergency medicine (physician); out-patient and in-patient shadowing (physical and occupational therapy); or exposure to: multiple optometrists and optometric procedures, including medical laser surgeries (optometry); multiple dental practices as well as specialist practices in orthodontics and endodontics (dental); or various public health settings. Participants gain academic credit and extensive shadowing experience but also develop personal connections with practicing physicians, therapists, optometrists, dentists, or public health practitioners in the area. One recent dental extern was accepted to three dental schools. Read about her positive externship experience below.

Aiden Hiester

"Hanover's Dental Externship track was an experience that solidified my decision in wanting to become a dentist as well as exposed me to areas of dentistry I otherwise would not have known. This experience was far greater than what I could have imagined, as I was able to take what I learned in a variety of different offices and talk confidently about it during dental school interviews - an experience that I believe set me well above other applicants. I would recommend this program to anyone who has even just thought a career in dentistry could be for them."

Aidan Hiester

Hanover 2024

Externship Requirements

Time Commitment:

10+ weeks during the fall or winter semester
Minimum of 5 hours in the clinic or rehabilitation center, usually 2-3 hours twice a week

Gateway Course Requirements:

For Physician, PA, Optometry & Dental tracks:	For Physical & Occupational Therapy tracks:
One year of Hanover College Biology (BIO 161 & 185)	Completion of Hanover College Human Anatomy (KIP 215) (PT/OT only)
One semester of Hanover College Organic Chemistry (CHE 221)	Cumulative GPA of 3.3 (Applicants with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above will receive consideration based on their other application materials.)
Cumulative GPA of 3.3

Application Packet Requirements:

250-300 word essay identifying your interest in this program and how it will benefit your future aspirations
Two faculty references.
Unofficial transcript demonstrating GPA and course requirements