Above: Lisa Campanella PAS, Nancy Helmy (Class of 2011) and Dr. James Purtill, MD Orthopedic Surgeon at the Rothman Institute, Philadelphia

The preceptorship courses are a unique experience designed to enhance knowledge, technical skills and problem-solving abilities that allows students to see what their chosen field of study is going to be like. Preceptorships are performed off campus under the guidance of skilled biomedical professionals and each student undertakes two preceptorships, usually in the summer between their sophomore and junior year, preferably at separate institutions (unless research is involved). Students will be required to complete a minimum of 54-hours, preferably as six one-week periods of nine hours per week. During the preceptorship period, students are expected to keep a log book of their experiences to be used in the execution of a final 5 to 10 page report on some aspect of the experience that most impressed them. Guidance on a choice of topic for the final report should be sought from either the Pre-Medical Studies Coordinator or Clinical Coordinator within the first three weeks of beginning the preceptorship. 

For many students (about 75%) this 108 hour experience, which constitutes a total of 6 credits towards the B.S. in Pre-Medical Studies is a positive one that cements their goal. The remaining 25%, realize after the first experience of 54 hours that their field of study does not suit them and therefore pursue a different biomedical preceptorship for the second 3 credit course. All students grow as professionals and receive a variety of training that deepens and broadens their medical experiences.