Summer Clinical Preceptorship

Summer Clinical Preceptorship at Ochsner Medical Center

Soka University of America, in partnership with Dr. Victoria A. Smith and Dr. Vernard S. Fennell, offers a select group of students the opportunity to participate in an 8- to 10-week summer clinical preceptorship at Ochsner Medical Center in Louisiana. This is an excellent opportunity for undergraduate students to gain immersive, hands-on experience in clinical care, health advocacy, and research—allowing them to apply academic knowledge in real healthcare settings and see how values like compassion, wisdom, and courage can shape individual and community well-being.

Tracks Offered

Students may apply to one of two specialized tracks based on their interests and career goals:

• Primary Care / Population Health Track:
  Primary care is the frontline of medicine, providing comprehensive individual and community health services. This track focuses on addressing individual health needs and how they are influenced by social determinants of health—such as access to care, nutrition, and chronic disease prevention. Students will participate in clinic alongside Dr. Smith and her colleagues and contribute to research and advocacy projects aimed at improving health outcomes in diverse populations.
• Neurosurgery Track:
  Neurosurgery is a highly specialized surgical field focused on treating disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system. Students will observe advanced procedures such as tumor resections, spinal surgeries, deep brain stimulation for movement disorders, aneurysm clipping, and minimally invasive endoscopic techniques. This rare undergraduate opportunity offers invaluable exposure to complex surgeries and possible clinical research.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will:

• Develop practical clinical skills and gain firsthand exposure to patient care in primary care or neurosurgery settings
• Enhance understanding of biomedical, clinical, and public health research methodologies and their applications to patient outcomes
• Build professional communication, teamwork, and leadership skills in a multidisciplinary healthcare environment
• Expand professional networks with clinicians, researchers, and healthcare leaders
• Strengthen preparation for graduate school, medical school, or careers in health professions

Expectations and Responsibilities

Before the preceptorship begins, participants are required to complete all necessary onboarding and training steps for both Soka University of America and Ochsner Medical Center. These include: 

• Submitting all required program forms, such as the housing agreement, observership agreement, and Ochsner Volunteer Services onboarding materials
• Completing all hospital volunteer health clearance requirements
• Completing Institutional Review Board (IRB) and research compliance trainings for both Soka University and Ochsner Medical Center, and submitting proof of completion
• Participating fully in the Humanistic Collaboration in Practice Workshop led by Dr. David Pole, PhD, MPH, at Soka University on February 14–15, 2026 

During the preceptorship, participants are expected to: 

• Engage actively in clinical rotations, research projects, and advocacy activities related to their assigned track
• Take part in volunteer service with a local community organization as part of the program’s experiential learning component and connect with the New Orleans community
• Attend grand rounds, tumor boards, and departmental meetings as scheduled
• Complete RATE reflective assignments throughout the program
• Present findings or reflections to mentors and peers as appropriate during the preceptorship
• Deliver a final presentation at Soka University after returning from the program, summarizing key learning or research outcomes
• Maintain professional conduct consistent with Soka University and Ochsner Medical Center policies 

Detailed onboarding instructions and required forms will be provided to selected participants.

Eligibility

Applicants must be:

• Current undergraduate students in good academic standing at Soka University of America
• Interested in pursuing careers in medicine, public health, biomedical research, or related fields
• Available to commit to the full 8- to 10-week preceptorship from early June through mid-August 2026
• International students who receive acceptance must apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) visa approval

Financial Support

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, participants will receive financial support to cover round-trip airfare from LAX to MSY (or travel of equivalent cost) and lodging. Participants will share a residence near Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans, creating a close-knit and collaborative community throughout the program.

Please note this is otherwise an unpaid opportunity; participants are responsible for their own meals, personal expenses, and any additional costs not covered by the program. Participants may also be eligible, however, to apply for other summer grants through Soka University of America, though these require separate applications.

Application Timeline

Applications are now open. 

Informational Meeting: Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 12:00–1:00 PM, The HUB & Zoom (See Sokannect for in-person registration; Register for virtual option here)

Application Deadline: Friday, January 31, 2026, 23:59