We are pleased to offer first year medical students the opportunity to work for Hudson River Health Care located in the Hudson River Valley of New York. This summer experience for medical students has been established to honor Michele Tracy's contributions to Hudson River Health Care during her two years there as an Americorps/Vista volunteer, and to continue the relationship Michele established. Michele was a second year UW medical student who was tragically killed while participating in an educational service program in Malawi Africa in July 1999.

Background on Hudson River Health Care

(Excerpted from a piece by Heather McCutcheon, who participated in this elective in 2000.) Hudson River Health Care operates a group of 10 clinic facilities in 5 different counties in the Hudson River Valley. Each facility caters to its community (e.g. Latino, African-American, migrant farm worker populations). Patients of these facilities are largely Medicaid-insured or uninsured; thus, there is also a sliding fee scale based on income.

Overall Goals for the Experience

1. Learn how health care is provided by Hudson River Health Care
2. Participate in clinical care
3. Participate in a community health project during the externship
4. Return with photographs, summary highlights, and suggestions for future students

Externship Details

Length and Dates: The externship will be 4-6 weeks, and can be scheduled in June, July or August. Only one student can be accommodated per summer. If more than one student applies, the board for the Michelle Tracy Health Initiative will select the student.

Application Deadline: Friday, March 14, 2008 at 4:30 PM

Funding: Funding will be provided to cover transportation, housing and cost of living expenses (up to $2,400). In addition, the Michelle Tracy Health Initiative provides up to $400 to student for expenses.

Housing: Housing will be available at a cost of approximately $250/week.

Structuring the Experience: There is a variety of community outreach and patient care experiences available during this externship. The experience can be tailored to the interests outlined in your application and will be worked out with Allison Dubois of Hudson River Community Health.

Report Requirement: A final report describing your experience should be submitted prior to the beginning of the Fall semester. This report will be shared with the Tracy family and will be available at this website for others to read.

Report from Dan Spangenberg, Summer 2006

Questions? If you have any questions, please contact omse.coordinator@fammed.wisc.edu or call 608-263-1334.