Student Research Experience
The Student Research Experience with the Critical Illness, Brain Dysfunction, and Survivorship (CIBS) Center will provide valuable clinical research experience for students considering a field in medicine or research. Students will have the opportunity to work closely with recognized leaders in the many fields that make up the CIBS Center, who come from a multidisciplinary background including critical care, trauma, anesthesiology, psychology, neurology, imaging, psychiatry, biostatistics, and palliative care. Read more about the CIBS Center.
Application Submission:
- Submit your application.
- The application includes the following sections:
- Cover letter detailing career goals, research interest, and why you want to work with the CIBS Center
- Resume
- Student acknowledgement of expectations
- Application Deadlines:
- Fall Semester: May 1st
- Winter/Spring Semester: September 15th
- Summer Semester: February 1st
Application Review
- Applications will be reviewed by a CIBS Center committee representing a broad range of our medical and research disciplines.
- Reviewers will consider the following:
- How your research and career goals fit in with the current needs of the CIBS Center
- Time commitment and number of weekly hours available
- If you are given the opportunity to intern with CIBS Center, we will contact you to meet with members of the CIBS Center executive team, supervising core lead(s), and invite you to attend a CIBS Center team meeting.
Onboarding Information:
- 10-12 week process
- Student must send and complete:
- Proof of current immunizations and two TB tests
- Pre-internship background check
- Confidentiality agreement
- Emergency contact and medical information
- Statement of agreement
Type of Experiences:
Clinical
Learn and work alongside our clinical core, a team of experienced registered nurse coordinators, and research assistants responsible for coordinating the day-to-day conduct of our studies.
- Screen electronic health records of patients in multiple ICUs to determine eligibility for participation in various NIH-funded trials
- Perform data extraction and data entry into electronic databases (REDCap)
- Perform study delirium assessments utilizing tools such as the CAM-ICU, CPOT, RASS, FOUR Score, GCS, and ICU Mobility Scale
- Create educational and research materials
- Assist with data quality monitoring
- Work with database programs
Neuropsychology (Long-term Outcomes)
Gain hands-on experience with our team of neuropsychology coordinators to:
- Administer and score various tests and batteries to assess cognitive functioning
- Understand how to characterize mental health outcomes, including depression and PTSD, using surveys tools
- Collect important outcomes data directly from patients including functionality, pain, and quality of life
- Learn about the psychometric properties of cognitive tests
- Gain mentorship in the fields of clinical psychology and neuropsychology
Student Expectations and Guidelines:
Following these guidelines will ensure that you will maximize your experience and serve as a positive representative of Vanderbilt University and of the CIBS Center. Your readiness to enter your chosen field will be assessed/evaluated based on these expectations as demonstrated at your internship:
- Act in a professional and ethical manner
- Adhere to business casual dress code
- Be prompt when reporting to work and with completing assignments
- Communicate appropriately and often with mentor and supervisor
- Give your work your best effort
- Work when scheduled and fulfill hours per week initially discussed
- Attend appropriate team meetings during scheduled intern hours
- Work when scheduled and fulfill hours per week initially discussed
- Display a good attitude
- Ask questions
- Seek work with supervisor and colleagues during scheduled hours
Future reappointment is dependent on previous performance. The CIBS Center reserves the right to end an internship if student is not meeting expectations.
Questions?
Contact us or email CIBS@vumc.org
