IMG Research Scholars Program: Bridge to Future Leaders in Anesthesia Research

Question: Does every applicant get accepted?
Answer: No, not every applicant automatically gets a position. While we are grateful for the interest, the program has limited openings (only one participant per 2-months session)

Question: What is my time commitment?
Answer: Participants are asked to commit to a minimum of three days per week (preferably the same days and time each week) for 2 months.

Question: May I come more frequently than three days a week or 2 months duration?
Answer: Three days a week is the minimum frequency. It is possible to come in additional days depending on your availability and your project’s requirement. For the duration, in-person participation is limited to two months, but involvement continues until publication. Involvement at this stage focuses more on scientific writing and publication rather than direct access to patient information, due to HIPAA regulations.

Question: What is the cost to participate in this program?
Answer: There is a one-time up-front payment of $800 (in US dollars) that covers all expenses. This fee covers administrative costs, a parking spot, and one meal per day of attendance.

Question: What is the dress code?
Answer: Yes. Participants are required to abide by the professional image policies of Hartford Hospital. Participants cannot wear shorts, skirts above the knee, jeans, scrubs, and open-toes shoes/sandals.

Question: Can I check my health status in EPIC while collecting data for research?
Answer: No. Even though it is your own information, this is considered a HIPAA violation. You are not allowed to look up information on you, your family, friends, or anyone not on your list of approved patients for research.

Question: Can I use my personal computer to work on data for IRB-approved research?
Answer: No. All HHC studies that involve PHI are approved to be used only on computers within the HHC secure system either in the research office or on an approved HHC laptop that uses the HHC secured server.

Question: Can I transfer or discuss research data through my personal email?
Answer: No. You should always use your HHC email for communication regarding research studies and PHI.

Question: Can I share anesthesia research studies with my friends and work colleagues?
Answer: No. Our studies are unique and are kept private until they are published. Interns are not allowed to share project information with anyone outside of this institution, as we value the uniqueness of our research. However, you can share your experiences in this research program with your friends and encourage them to apply.

Question: Does participation in this program give me a position at the hospital, residency, or fellowship program if I apply for a position?
Answer: No, participation in this program does not guarantee a job at the hospital, or a position in a residency or fellowship program. Residency and fellowship programs have their own application, selection criteria and matching methods. While this program can be beneficial for networking and enhancing competitiveness, it does not guarantee placement in any program.

Question: What medical information will I need to show to be a participant?
Answer: All participants will be asked to provide documentation of completed set of vaccine records per HHC volunteer requirements. If you do not have documentation of your vaccinations, you will need to provide proof of immunity through titer testing (blood test). Titer testing is not provided through Hartford Hospital. Applicants will need to obtain the titer test at their own expense, through their family physician.

Question: Will I need a flu shot to participate?
Answer: Yes, Hartford Hospital requires all staff to have a flu vaccine during flu season. Certain exceptions can be made for medical or religious reasons. Individuals with approved exceptions will be required to wear a mask while participating during flu season.

Question: Can I be in the Operating Room?
Answer: No. Operating rooms are restricted areas. Hartford Hospital has a specific policy for visits in the operating rooms. If you are interested in shadowing in the OR, you may find a physician to sponsor and supervise your visit, but this is out of the responsibility of this research internship program.