Health System Science Research Internship

Northwell Health is New York State’s largest healthcare provider and private employer. The health system strives to improve the health of the communities it serves and is committed to providing the highest quality clinical care; educating the current and future generations of healthcare professionals; searching for new advances in medicine through the conduct of bio-medical research; promoting health education; and caring for the entire community regardless of the ability to pay.

The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research is the research branch of the Northwell Health enterprise and is headquartered in Manhasset, NY. The Feinstein is composed of more than 1,500 clinicians, scientists and staff who work in laboratories and clinical research programs in collaboration with clinicians and patients throughout the many facilities of Northwell Health. Every year, more than 15,000 patients and volunteers participate in over 2,000 research studies.

The Institute of Health System Science leverages evidence-based science and incorporates cutting-edge technologies to deliver innovative healthcare solutions to improve healthcare delivery. Our research utilizes mixed methodologies and the latest data analytical tools to develop interventions and assess outcomes related to how a variety of chronic diseases, conditions, symptoms, and corresponding care are managed. The team consists of a broad range of health services researchers including physicians, nurses, psychologists, economists, IT programmers, biostatisticians, and public health professionals. Researchers collaborate across disciplines and in various real-life settings to develop and disseminate innovative, evidence-based clinical interventions to improve care delivery and the health of our patients and communities.

The Institute of Health System Science at The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research offers a 12-month, paid internship for 1-2 accomplished college graduates, who plan on continuing their graduate/professional education. Selected applicants will have the opportunity to work closely with various members of the Institute of Health System Science.

Interns will gain operational and clinical experience by working with various clinical research professionals on a rotation through healthcare-related projects. Interns will work under the guidance of multiple faculty mentors and will have the opportunity to participate in aspects of the entire research process including: study design, patient recruitment, data collection, data analysis, and/or dissemination of results. Interns will be exposed to quantitative and qualitative methods, such as analyzing large datasets, collecting survey data, and conducting focus groups. This year-long experience will help students explore career paths and gain work experience in healthcare research. The opportunity will also give the intern opportunities to shadow medical doctors and physician researchers, as well as network among our alumni who are currently in medical school.

Examples of ongoing projects in the Institute include:

1.      Influencing Basic Behavioral Mechanisms of Action while targeting Daily Walking in Those at Risk for Cardiovascular Disease: Science of Behavior Change Factorial Experiment of Behavioral Change

2.      Physical Activity Promotion to Foster Successful Aging

3.      MAVEN: Developing Diverse Senior Scientist Leaders

4.      Recovery Support for Bladder Cancer Patients and Caregivers

5.      Patient and Caregiver-Centered Diabetes Telemanagement Program for Hispanic/Latino Patients

6.      Dysphagia in Hospitalized Persons with Dementia

7.      Increasing Meaning to Reduce Loneliness in Care Partners of Persons with Alzheimer’s Disease

8.      The Mid-Atlantic Center for Cardiometabolic Health Equity (MACCHE)

9.      Helping Patients Achieve Kidney Transplants through Health System Change

Responsibilities may include:

1.      Conduct related study procedures, such as patient recruitment and data collection

2.      Submit and manage research-related documents, such as IRB paperwork

3.      Communicate and coordinate tasks with study team members and administrative contacts

4.      Manage and prepare data for analysis

5.      Contribute to the writing of abstracts, manuscripts, and grant applications

6.      Prepare poster and/or oral presentations

7.      Provide administrative support to the team, including scheduling and preparing for meetings, trainings, and presentations.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree (BS/BA) is required from any U.S. college or university. Candidates with a strong academic record, excellent written and oral communication skills, knowledge of statistics, and a demonstrated interest in public health and/or medicine, are encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate is a recent graduate who aspires to obtain a professional degree in the health field (e.g., MS, MD, MPH, etc.).

Program Dates: Start and completion dates are somewhat flexible. Priority will be given to applicants prepared to make at least a full-time, 12 month commitment, though alternate schedule arrangements will be considered. With advance notice, interns may take as many days off (without pay) as needed to visit graduate/medical schools for interviews. Opportunities to extend employment beyond the 12 month period will be considered.

Other Activities/ Expectations/Opportunities: The primary focus of the gap year research program is conducting health outcomes research. Interns will also assist with research-related administrative tasks.

Gap year candidates will be able to participate in educational opportunities such as Research in Progress Meetings, Department of Medicine Grand Rounds, and various presentations and trainings offered through The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research.

Application Process & Deadline: There is a rolling submission deadline. Applications will be accepted beginning December 5, 2022 through February 5, 2023. The most promising candidates will be invited to interview in person or virtually. Notification of decisions will be made no later than April 15, 2023. Please apply here: https://redcap.northwell.edu/surveys/?s=KJD7H9EPMNPEDWKN

For Further Information: Please contact Melissa Kaplan (mkaplan12@northwell.edu) with any questions.