Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute

Alzheimer's Disease Summer Externship 2008

Overview: An 8-week interdisciplinary summer externship opportunity for 3 medical students is available for the Summer of 2008. This opportunity will allow students to work and learn outside of the classroom with a wide array of professionals working with persons who have Alzheimer’s disease. The goal of this innovative program is to increase the knowledge and ability of future health care providers to provide long-term, interdisciplinary care to patients with Alzheimer’s disease and their families. Generalized family practice clinical experience will also be included. More info...

The Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, under the direction of Mark Sager, MD, developed this opportunity and will provide mentorship and guidance during the externship.

Learning objectives: At the completion of this program, the students will be able to: describe the diagnosis, treatment, and management of Alzheimer’s disease; recognize the roles of a multidisciplinary team; identify common concerns of the person with Alzheimer’s disease and their families/caregiver(s); discuss current memory research studies, and; identify community resources to support persons with Alzheimer’s disease and their families.

Who can apply: Medical students who have completed their first year of medical school at either the University of Wisconsin Medical School (Madison) or the Medical College of Wisconsin (Milwaukee). Online Application...

Application Deadline: Monday, February 11, 2008

Date/Time: Full time, 8 consecutive weeks total, Monday, June 2, 2008 through Friday, July 25, 2008. The externship schedule is M-F, 8-5 with weekends off.

Location: WAI-affiliated Dementia Diagnostic Clinics, family practice clinics, as well as various community service organizations (Alzheimer’s Association chapters, nursing homes, adult day centers, etc.)

2 students will travel between specified clinics in the Madison, Milwaukee, Richland Center, and Fort Atkinson/Whitewater/Johnson Creek, spending 1 to 3 weeks in each location, for a total of 8 weeks.

1 student will be located in the Spooner & Rice Lake area for a total of 8 weeks.

A formal daily schedule is provided to each student.

Stipend: $3500. Housing will be provided as needed. Student must provide own transportation and meals.

For more information contact Heidi Pophal, hpophal@wisc.edu or (608) 829-3312, Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.

Click here for Online Application...

The Urgency of Our Mission

In the U.S. approximately 5-10% of the population aged 65 and older has AD. In Wisconsin, this number is expected to increase by 58% from 103,000 to 163,000 persons over the next 25 years.

19 million Americans say someone in their family has the disease.

50% of persons with AD are undiagnosed and therefore, untreated.

Families delay seeking help for almost three years after the onset of cognitive symptoms.

50% of nursing home residents have AD or a related disorder.

Family and friends provide almost 75% of home care. Costs for at-home care average $12,500 each year with families paying almost the entire cost out-of-pocket.

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About Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's Disease Summer Externship 2008

The Urgency of Our Mission