Preceptor: To be identified by the student
Coordinator: Michael Poles, MD, PhD, Michael.Poles@NYULangone.org
Contact: Charlotte Murphy, Charlotte.Murphy2@NYULangone.org

Prerequisites: Completion of all Clinical Clerkships 

Note: This is a non-traditional elective and is not offered through SOLARIS.

Description

The Departmental Longitudinal Clinical Elective provides students with the opportunity to gain a deeper and more nuanced understanding of a specialty of interest through sustained clinical exposure and mentorship. Over the course of the final year of medical school, students will spend at least 35 hours (equivalent to 1-week elective credit) shadowing one or more faculty preceptors in their chosen field. Unlike traditional two-week introductory electives that provide an intensive but brief experience, this longitudinal format allows students to observe the specialty over time and in a variety of contexts, including greater exposure to outpatient practice, continuity of care, and the evolving dynamics of patient management.

This structure enables students to appreciate the day-to-day rhythms of specialty practice, including longitudinal patient relationships, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the integration of clinical, diagnostic, and procedural work. Faculty preceptors are encouraged to engage students in discussions about clinical reasoning, professional identity formation, and career development. By the end of the elective, students should be able to articulate how the specialty aligns with their professional goals and demonstrate a more sophisticated understanding of its clinical scope, culture, and patient population.

Objectives of the Elective

By the end of this elective, students will be able to:

1. Describe the scope of practice, common clinical conditions, and typical patient care workflows within the chosen specialty.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the multidisciplinary collaboration and interprofessional roles integral to the specialty’s clinical practice.
3. Observe and reflect on the cognitive and procedural skills characteristic of the specialty, including diagnostic reasoning, patient communication, and management strategies.
4. Analyze how the specialty aligns with their professional interests, values, and long-term career goals.
5. Engage in reflective practice by identifying aspects of the specialty that were particularly appealing or challenging, using structured self-assessment or written reflection.
6. Discuss with faculty mentors the variety of career paths, training structures, and lifestyle considerations within the specialty.
7. Demonstrate professionalism through reliability, respect, and active participation during all shadowing experiences.

Key Responsibilities of the student while on Elective

Over the course of the year, required activities include:

1. Coordinate with assigned preceptor(s) to arrange shadowing sessions that total approximately 35 hours over the academic year.
2. Provide communication of any excused absences to the Office of Student Affairs (excused absence form) and to the elective coordinator, in a timely fashion 
3. Adhere to all institutional policies related to confidentiality, professionalism, and patient interaction.
4. Arrive prepared, appropriately attired, and on time for all shadowing experiences.
5. Observe clinical encounters with attention to diagnostic reasoning, communication style, workflow, and decision-making processes.
6. Participate in discussions and teaching opportunities as invited by the preceptor.
7. Submit documentation of completed hours and preceptor verification at the conclusion of the elective.

Key Responsibilities of the preceptor/residents/faculty while you are on Elective

By accepting your enrollment in this elective, the department has agreed to:

1. Clearly communicate their expectations of you
2. Maintain a supportive clinical learning environment 
3. Ensure that you have access to a broad case mix and clinical experience  
4. Provide the education necessary for you to gain an understanding of the patients and pathology reflective of this specialty
5. Provide feedback on your clinical skills 

Method of Evaluation

Pass/Fail

Students will receive 1 week (35 hours) of elective credit if they complete all required hours and components of the elective

Scheduling Information

Months Offered: All Year
Elective Duration: Longitudinal running from June of the final year until graduation
Students per elective: Unlimited