Neurocritical Care Pre-Residency Internship

Mission

Inspired by the healing presence of God, the Neurocritical Care Pre-Residency Internship at SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital is committed to developing the next generation of Neurocritical Care leaders. We provide intensive, patient-centered training that upholds the highest standards of care for Neurologically critically ill and injured patients. Emphasizing a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach, our program integrates robust clinical experience, research, and education to foster innovation and improve patient outcomes. We dedicate ourselves to nurturing a diverse cohort of international medical graduates, supporting their professional growth through comprehensive mentorship and leadership opportunities. This internship is designed to equip candidates with the skills and ethical foundation necessary to advance their careers and continue our mission of revealing God’s healing presence through exceptional care.

Letter from Program Director

Thank you for your interest in the Neurocritical Care Pre-Residency Internship at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital. Our program offers a unique one-year training opportunity for U.S. medical graduates and international medical graduates to gain intensive, hands-on clinical experience in Neurocritical Care and acute care neurology. This one-year internship begins with the trainees functioning at an intern level, with the goal of achieving the competencies of a Neurocritical Care fellow by the end of the program.

The primary objective of this internship is to develop clinical proficiency and professionalism in a high-stakes environment. Pre-residency interns are integral members of our Neurocritical Care team, providing care to a diverse patient population under the direct supervision of experienced and renowned Neurocritical Care faculty. Pre-residency interns will spend most of the year in our state-of-the-art NeuroICU at SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital, gaining exposure to a wide range of acute neurological injuries and advanced monitor and treatment modalities. The program includes a robust schedule of didactic lectures, hands-on training in ICU bedside procedures, and opportunities to engage in multidisciplinary research projects.

We believe the special strengths of our program include:

• A diverse patient population that provides a broad spectrum of clinical experiences
• Comprehensive mentorship from leading experts in Neurocritical Care and Stroke/Neurointervention
• A commitment to professional development through structured leadership and scholarship opportunities
• A supportive and collaborative learning environment that fosters innovation and excellence
• A tailored mentorship towards U.S. residency application and matching if trainee desires

Please reach out if you have any questions. 

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Eligibility Criteria

• Medical education requirements
  • Graduation from a medical school in the United States or Canada, accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) or graduation from a college of osteopathic medicine in the United States, accredited by the American Osteopathic Association Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (AOACOCA);
  • Graduation from a medical school outside of the United States or Canada, and meeting one of the following additional qualifications:
    • Holding a currently valid certificate from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) prior to appointment; or,
    • Holding a full and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the United States licensing jurisdiction.
• No history of probation or disciplinary action during medical school or postgraduate training.
• Good evaluation/performance during medical school and postgraduate training (if applicable), as evidenced by performance reports and evaluations.
• Submission of three letters of recommendation from faculty member or mentor who can attest the applicant’s clinical skills, academic commitment and personal character.
• Submission of personal statement discussing their interest in Neurocritical Care, career goals and why they hope to achieve through the internship.
• Active involvement in scholarly or leadership activities during training, with documented evidence of contributions and achievements.
• Proficiency in English is required. 
• Candidates must participate in an interview process, either in person or virtually, to assess interpersonal and communication skills, professional demeanor and fit within the program.

Application Process

We begin accepting applications in the last week of March. Interviews are conducted in April, and the internship will officially start in June or July, depending on licensure approval. Please send your complete application package to Erica Ogden at erica.ogden@slucare.ssmhealth.com to be considered for an interview.