There are two Clinical Connections Internships now available for the 2011-2012 academic year, one working with adults at New York Presbyterian Cornell and one working with children uptown at Columbia and Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital. Applicants can only apply to one of these programs for consideration. Clinical Connections Internship applications at both NYP Hospital campuses are due March 11th. 

Clinical Connections is an innovative volunteer program utilizing trained volunteers to partner with the staff to work directly with patients in meaningful ways. Volunteers are trained to perform a variety of tasks, including providing emotional support and therapeutic activities. The goal is to make the hospital stay friendlier and increase patient satisfaction. Volunteers serve as liaisons for patients and families and enhance their care by performing friendly visits and offering supportive listening to patients and families.
 
Clinical Connections will also offer exploration into the growing field of the medical humanities.  Through assignments and group huddles, interns will foster skills of observation, analysis, empathy, and self-reflection. The field of medical humanities centers on the idea that attention to literature and the arts help to develop and nurture these skills which are essential for compassionate medical care. Interns will share reflections and journal responses, engage in close reading of literature, and take part in other activities that explore the connection between medicine and the humanities.  

All applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.30. A copy of an unofficial transcript is required.  Students may be pursuing any degree or major. College graduates and post- baccalaureate students are welcome to apply. Applicants must have completed at least two years of college and should be on track to apply to health professional school.  Prior clinical experience is not required.

Letter of Recommendation are required. Students should ask recommenders AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Please be sure your letter writer is someone who can attest to your maturity and ability to interact with others. Examples of acceptable recommenders include community leaders, advisors, supervisors, research coordinators and principle investigators. 

Attached are the applications with the contact information for each program. For further questions please use the contacts on the individual applications.