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NCAFP Family Medicine Externship Program

Experience Family Medicine This Summer!!

The 2010 NCAFP Foundation's Family Medicine Externship Program is a 4-week summer learning experience that exposes rising second-year medical students to the daily activities of family physicians. The program is designed to offer participating medical students a first-hand understanding of what family medicine encompasses and how family physicians deliver health care and practice medicine. Each student extern receives a stipend for participating in the program and in most cases are offered a chance to work in hospitals, nursing homes, independent or group practices or community health centers.

-- Program Application Deadline is March 12, 2010 --


The At-Home Learning Experience

Since its inception in 1992, over 300 medical students have participated in externships across North Carolina. Based entirely in-state, the program is great for medical students preferring to stay close, but who desire to learn about family medicine and primary care during summer break. In most cases, students participate where they live or within the geographic area of their choice. This makes the program convenient and allows students to simulate a close 'living-and-working' scenario.

How The Externship Program Works

Interested first-year medical students apply to be selected as a Family Medicine Extern. Applications are sent directly to NCAFP offices and are reviewed by a committee composed on family medicine physician leaders. The number of available slots vary according to funding.

Once selected, each student extern is assigned his/her family medicine preceptor. Students are encouraged to locate a family physician preceptor by utilizing their existing contacts. However, this is not required, and the NCAFP Foundation will attempt to locate a preceptor on the student's behalf.

Once a preceptor has been assigned, the student communicates with this physician to arrange a mutually-convenient four-week schedule to complete the program. Learning experiences must be four-weeks in length and be completed prior of September 1st. Each student is required to complete both a pre- and post-program survey, as well as coordinate with their physician preceptors to do the same. Stipends are awarded on completion of these requirements.

The daily activities of program are directed by the physician preceptor. By custom, the program includes daily shadowing of the physician as they interact with patients and deliver care. Each family physician preceptor provides a unique experience.

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying for the program, please see your FMIG Faculty Advisor or student leader for an application. You may also contact Academy offices at (919) 833-2110.

For questions regarding the Family Medicine Externship Program, please contact Peter Graber at the NCAFP at pgraber@ncafp.com or via telephone at (919) 833-2110.