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CIRT Student Internship Program

Under the direction of Daniel S. Berman, MD, the Cardiac Imaging Research Team (CIRT) Student Internship Program (SIP) provides a unique opportunity for students to learn the in's and out's of medical research through directly working on ongoing studies in an environment devoted to clinical and outcomes research.

For academic year interns, the program is geared towards students who thrive in independent work settings, and the focus is on the hands-on experience with ongoing research studies. For summer interns, CIRT additionally sponsors a wide range of activities including a cardiac imaging lecture series featuring distinguished clinicians and researchers, informal lunchtime talks on career development topics, a team debate on a current issue in cardiology, basic biostatistics training, mentorship for an independent research project, and a research oral presentation day.

Specific assignments vary, but interns generally assist with 1) collecting follow-up data from research subjects and medical records for the Nuclear and/or the CT Database Studies, and 2) collecting clinical data from research subjects during visits.

Students eighteen years of age or older who are US citizens or permanent residents and are currently enrolled at least half-time in an accredited US college or university are eligible to apply. Previous SIP interns have included both undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in pre-med, public health, or medical school programs. No previous research experience is required.

Summer 2008 Internship (10-week Program)
As described above, the summer SIP involves a first-hand research experience as well as additional activities. Interns attend a series of cardiac research lectures, biostatistics workshops, and special events designed specifically for them. At the end of each summer, students present a summary of their research to their peers and the department. Each intern also writes a final report, similar to a scientific abstract, to describe his or her project. The program is highly competitive, as approximately 10% of applicants are selected each summer.

Summer interns select either a morning or afternoon shift and are expected to be at Cedars-Sinai Monday through Friday, for at least 20 hours per week.

Program dates: June 23 - August 29, 2008
Application Period: Feb 1 - April 1, 2008
Application deadline: April 1, 2008

Academic Year Internships
The fall and spring internships provide students an opportunity to get involved with research during the busy academic year. Program dates and schedules are flexible to accommodate school schedules, and interns are expected to be at the Medical Center 8-12 hours per week. Interns are selected on a rolling basis, so applicants are encouraged to submit applications early. The number of openings vary each term, but generally there are 2-3 students each term.

Fall Program Dates: September through December
Fall Application Period: April 1 - July 1
Fall Application Deadline: July 1

Spring Program Dates: February through May
Spring Application Period: September 1 - December 1
Spring Application Deadline: December 1

Application Procedure

Applications may be submitted by email or by mail. All materials must be received in our office by the deadline. It is strongly recommended that the application form, cover letter, and resume be submitted together in one packet or email. An application will not be reviewed until all materials have been received. A completed application includes the following:

• A completed Summer 2008 application form* or Fall 2008 application form*
• A cover letter describing your reasons for applying to the CIRT Student Internship Program, anything you'd like us to know about you (e.g., significant personal accomplishments, challenges you have overcome, talents you have cultivated, etc.), and how participating in CIRT research will expand your experience and help you achieve your future goals.
• A letter of recommendation from a faculty member or research mentor familiar with your coursework or prior research experience. Note: Please have the evaluator include the Summer 2008 recommendation form* or Fall 2008 recommendation form* along with the recommendation letter. They should both be sealed in an envelope and signed directly by the author. (May be mailed separately by author)
• A current resume or CV
• An official copy of your most recent transcript (May be mailed separately by institution)

Contact Information