Frequently
Asked Questions about the FSI Program:
1. What
are the prerequisites for applying to FSI?
Applicants
must be registered undergraduate students at UC Berkeley. Successful
completion of PH 116/IDS 130 and a letter of recommendation from your
PH/IDS TA are also required.
2. What
are the requirements for FSI?
FSI is
composed of two main components: shadowing and discussion. Interns shadow
a minimum of 6-8 hours per week and attend a mandatory weekly 2-hour
discussion section. Interns are required to keep a weekly journal, complete
written assignments and projects, and attend mandatory program events
outside of discussion section.
You can
see a complete list of intern requirements here. [Intern
Requirements]
3. How
many units do FSI interns receive?
Interns must sign up for PH 97/197 and receive 3 units P/NP from the
School of Public Health. However, the volume of work and the amount
of time associated with successfully completing the internship warrant
much more than three units.
4. What
is the application process like?
All applicants
must submit a complete written application form no later than the deadline.
These applications will be reviewed through a blind process and selected
applicants will be invited to interview. A portion of those interviewed
will be invited to participate in the program. Each semester, a number
of applicants will be selected as alternates. Failure to attend an interview
and/or any mandatory meetings will result in an applicant’s withdrawal
from the application process.
5. What
are my chances of being accepted?
This depends
on how many applicants apply, the quality of the applicant pool, and
the number of physicians participating in our program, all of which
vary from semester to semester. We recommend applicants to complete
the written application form thoroughly and thoughtfully.
6.
If I am not accepted, can I apply again?
Yes. Applicants
may apply as many times as they wish. However, please do not simply
turn in the same exact application.
7. What
does shadowing a physician entail?
Interns
shadow ONE preceptor for a minimum of 6-8 hours per week for the duration
of the semester. The preceptor determines the degree of the intern’s
involvement. All interns receive an intimate view of the patient-doctor
relationship, a physician’s practice, and a glimpse of a physician’s
daily life. If shadowing a surgeon, interns will get to witness surgery
in the operation room.
8. Where
are the placements?
FSI has
placements all over the Bay Area including Berkeley, San Francisco,
Oakland, Hayward, and Fremont. Most locations can be reached via public
transportation and we will do our best to place interns without cars
in these locations. However, FSI cannot subsidize an intern’s
transportation fees. Transportation time can be anywhere from 30 minutes-1
½ hours one-way and is not included in the 6-8 hours shadowing
requirement.
9. What
types of specialties are available and do I get to choose who I shadow?
Specialties
vary from semester to semester, but in the past have included pediatrics,
cardiology, internal medicine, and surgery. Placements are located in
both private practices and hospital settings. At the beginning of the
semester interns will rank their specialty preferences. We will do our
best to match you with one of your top five preferences. Placements
depend on a variety of factors including schedule compatibility and
location.
10. What
does discussion entail?
6-8 interns
and two teaching assistants meet each week for a 2-hour discussion.
During discussion, interns have dinner together as they share their
shadowing experiences and discuss various ethical issues in medicine.
Pairs of interns take turns providing dinner for their section about
3 times a semester.
11. What
ethical issues are covered in FSI discussion?
The ethical
issues discussed can change each semester. Topics in the past have included
organ transplants, the U.S. Healthcare system, malpractice, end-of-life
care, and the role of race, culture, and religion in medicine. Interns
also have the opportunity to explore issues that interest them through
the intern presentation project.
12.
Should I expect any expenses?
Yes, students
are expected to provide their own transportation and dinner for their
section (8-10 people) approximately 3 times during the semester. (With
some planning this can be done at relatively low costs). Some placements
also require that an intern complete a physical exam and receive immunizations.
These tests/procedures can cost up to $100.
