Shadowing, Electives, and Visiting Opportunities

Thank you for your interest in visiting and observing the UConn Health Department of Neurosurgery.

Whether you’re just beginning your journey as a pre-med student, currently enrolled in medical school, or joining as a visiting resident, we’re excited to support your exploration of neurosurgery.

Please follow the appropriate pathway below based on your current level of training:

Shadowing/Unpaid Experiences

Who is this for?
Undergraduates, pre-med students, graduate students, and medical students not affiliated with the UConn School of Medicine.

Purpose:
A one-time observational experience designed for career exploration or professional interest.

Experience Description:
Participants will observe and accompany a neurosurgery team member during a single work shift.

How to Apply:

  1. Secure a Host/Preceptor
    It is your responsibility to find a host willing to supervise your shadowing experience.
  2. Complete the Unpaid Experience Request Form
    • You complete the top portion.
    • Your host completes the bottom portion.
  3. Submit the Form
    Email the completed form to Natasha Judge at njudge@uchc.edu.
  4. HR Review
    The form will be reviewed by Human Resources for compliance with policies.
  5. Documentation Submission
    Send all required documentation from HR to Natasha Judge.
  6. Final Approval
    After HR completes a background check and final review, the experience can be scheduled.
  7. Processing Time
    Please allow 2 to 3 weeks for processing.

Visiting Students (VSLO Applicants)

Elective Type:
Please note that our Neurosurgery Elective is not a Sub-Internship (Sub-I)—it is strictly an elective.

Note: MS3 is a 2-week elective, and MS4 is a 4-week elective.

Eligibility:
We accept visiting students enrolled in:

  • U.S. LCME-accredited medical schools
  • AOA-approved osteopathic schools

How to Apply:
Submit your application through the Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO) portal.

Questions?
Email: visitingmed@uchc.edu

Curricular Affairs Office – Clinical Education
UConn School of Medicine
263 Farmington Avenue
Farmington, CT 06030-1830

UConn School of Medicine Students:
MS3 and MS4 students currently enrolled at the UConn School of Medicine should coordinate through their School of Medicine contact.

For More Information:
Jennifer Foster
Associate Director of Curricular Affairs
Email: jefoster@uchc.edu

Learn more about Visiting Students

UConn School of Medicine Students (MS1 and MS2)

Steps to Request Clinical Experience:

  1. Complete the UConn School of Medicine Clinical Experiential Approval Form.
  2. Secure a host/preceptor and obtain their signature.
  3. Obtain signature from Student Affairs.
  4. Email the form to njudge@uchc.edu to schedule with the host.

For More Information:
Antonella Pagani
Email: pagani@uchc.edu
Phone: 860-679-4713
Fax: 860-679-6763

Email: admissions@uchc.edu

Visiting Residents

Eligibility:
Residents from ACGME-accredited programs only. Observerships are not allowed.

Application Process:

Requirements:

  • All visiting electives must be at least two consecutive calendar weeks.
  • Approval is at the discretion of the Neurosurgery program.

Final Approval Requires:

  • Fully signed Letter of Understanding.
  • Background check (UConn Police).
  • Verified immunization record (Employee Student Health).

View the complete list of requirements on the Visiting Residents page.

Visiting Externship for Students Underrepresented in Medicine (VESUM)

The UConn School of Medicine Visiting Externship for Students Underrepresented in Medicine (VESUM) reflects our commitment to diversity and inclusion in healthcare.

Contact: OMCA@uchc.edu

Learn more about VESUM

Additional Opportunities Outside of Neurosurgery

UConn Health offers a variety of academic enrichment programs:

For High School Students and Minors (Under 18):
Contact Dr. Marc Hansen at mhansen@uchc.edu.