Practicum
To emphasize the cross-disciplinary application of academic knowledge and to help students develop real-time problem-solving skills, the IMHS program offers an eight-week-long mentored practicum in a relevant professional complementary and integrative medicine-related environment or public health field.
A folder containing detailed information on the requirements and guidelines is provided in the Fall semester. Further guidance is provided dedicated meetings offered at intervals throughout the academic year.
Schedule
The scheduling of the precise start and end dates of the practicum should be mutually agreed upon between the mentor and the student. The practicum can begin at any time after the end of the Spring semester, which is usually wrapped up by mid-May. Students accepted to medical school with classes starting in July or August must schedule the start of their practicum in mid-May to allow time to complete the eight-week training course.
Registration
Students register for this course (PBIO 533-61) in February-March to start the practicum during the summer session.
Full-time students are required to successfully complete their two semesters of coursework before starting the practicum.
Part-time students are advised to consult with the program directors before engaging in any discussions with the practicum site.
Purpose
Practicum should contribute to the students’ knowledge of CIM or public health at the clinical, basic science, educational, regulatory and/or public policy levels.
A practicum is not a job, but an opportunity to learn and use practical real-world skills. It is also a responsibility because students serve as ambassadors of the CIM program and their behavior may affect opportunities for future students. Students are expected to conduct themselves professionally at all times during their internship.
Placements
This is a growing list of some of the institutions and organizations our students have worked at:
The Practicum has offered diverse experiences and has included a wide range of positions at Georgetown University and other local and national academic institutions, at federal agencies, and in the non-profit public sector. Over the years, students have worked at international agencies as well as in clinics and laboratories in India, the U. K., the People’s Republic of China, Germany, and Russia engaging in eye-opening, innovative, and cutting-edge projects in the IMHS field.