DIVERSE Externship

We seek candidates who are interested in experiencing firsthand what the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) Internal Medicine Residency program has to offer. The DIVERSE Internal Medicine Visiting Student Externship Fund supports our goal of creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable educational environment, allowing residents to achieve both personal and academic success.

This DIVERSE Visiting Student Externship funding is available to:

• Fourth-year medical students currently enrolled in an LCME-accredited allopathic or COCA-accredited osteopathic medical school who have passed USMLE Step 1/COMLEX Level 1, completed all core clinical clerkships and who are in good standing with their medical school.
• Ideal candidates for the externship funding include:
  • Students who have demonstrated experience in or a commitment to working with individuals who have been historically underserved in health care or underrepresented in medicine.
  • Students who have demonstrated interest in equity, diversity, or social justice for individuals historically underserved in health care by participating in community activities, social groups, student clubs or organizations that support this.
• UNMC does not currently accept applications for visiting students attending non-LCME accredited MD institutions, non-COCA accredited DO institutions, or foreign medical schools.

Students interested in being considered for the visiting student externship funding must:

1. First complete an application form through the American Association of Medical Colleges’ Visiting Student Learning Opportunity (VSLO) for an Internal Medicine away rotation at UNMC.
2. Submit the online “UNMC Visiting Student Externship secondary application.”
3. Send transcript and CV to GME Program Coordinator Glenda Cole at glenda.cole@unmc.edu.

• To be considered for externship funding for rotations between July-September, secondary application form is due by March 1. To be considered for externship funding for rotations between October-January, secondary application form is due by July 1.  

• Maximum of one rotation may be granted per applicant.
• Only students accepted through the VSLO program will be considered for the externship funding.
• Not every student who applies for funding through the visiting student externship program will receive the award, depending on available funding.
• Candidates from backgrounds underrepresented in medicine are strongly encouraged to apply.

Externship applications will be reviewed holistically and will be awarded based on:

• Responses to secondary application questions demonstrating experience in or a commitment to working with individuals who have been historically underserved in health care or underrepresented in medicine.
• Experience/interest in working with underserved populations.
• Leadership experience and potential.
• Commitment to community engagement and service.
• Academic achievement as indicated by transcripts and CV.

• Cardiology
• Nephrology
• Infectious Disease
• General Internal Medicine Inpatient
• General Internal Medicine Outpatient
• Diabetes, Endocrine, and Metabolism
• Hematology/Oncology
• Critical Care
• Pulmonology
• Allergy

We encourage you to explore our Internal Medicine Residency Program.

Is a separate application needed for each elective request?

No. One VSLO application, one UMNC Supplemental application with a rank order of preference.

Am I guaranteed my choice rotation in my preferred month?

Availability for rotations varies during the year, but we will do our best to try to accommodate your request.

Does VSLO charges a fee to students?

Yes, $15 per application.

Does UNMC charge any fees for the Supplemental Application?

No

Will I automatically be considered for the visiting student externship if I apply for a rotation through VSLO?

Only applicants who have submitted both a primary VSLO application and a visiting student externship secondary application will be considered for the funding award. Not every student who applies for funding through the visiting student externship program will receive the award, depending on available funding

Is housing provided?

Housing is not currently provided, however if you are approved to attend a clerkship and awarded the visiting student externship funding, that funding is meant to cover the cost of the travel and accommodations. We also provide you with a list of housing resources so you may secure housing for yourself in Omaha, Nebraska.

How are parking arrangements made?

Contact Parking and Transportation Services at parking@unmc.edu or 402-559-8580.

If I have accommodation requests, will they be granted?

If you have an accommodation request, please reach out so that we may identify how best to support you.

Will I be automatically granted a residency interview?

Acceptance to the externship program does not guarantee an interview for the Internal Medicine Residency.

Notice of Non-Discrimination

The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work and learning environment free from discrimination and harassment. UNMC is dedicated to creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected and included. 

UNMC does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. 

UNMC complies with all local, state and federal laws prohibiting discrimination, including Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex.