Student Section: MECO Program

THE APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR THE 2008 MECO PROGRAM WAS FEBRUARY 25, 2008.  WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPPLICATIONS.

HOWEVER, WE INVITE YOU TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MECO PROGRAM BELOW.

Dear First and Second Year Medical Student Members of ISMS,  

Have you thought about what you're going to do this summer?  The ISMS Medical Student Section sponsors an exciting program called MECO (Medical Education Community Orientation).  This program allows first and second year medical students to get a head start in clinical experience.  It provides participants the chance to work in a variety of community hospitals throughout the state.

Students have the opportunity to work directly with physicians and to rotate through a number of hospital departments.  In order to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms by which the hospital functions, participants also work with hospital staff and administration.  Additionally, experience is not necessarily limited to the hospital environment.  Many sites also provide the student with the opportunity to experience outpatient office practice and a variety of community health services.

Please note the suggested program duration is 4-6 weeks with some programs offering additional weeks if desired. Specific program times will be determined by the hospital and the matched student(s).  Program booklets contain each participating hospitals’ summary and an application.  Completed applications are due to the Illinois State Medical Society by the end of the business day on Monday, February 25, 2008.  Late applications cannot be considered.   Position(s) not filled during the first round, will be placed into a second round to follow. 

You can get the 2008 MECO program booklet and application in various locations. For the quickest access, visit the Illinois State Medical Society web site, www.isms.org  and link to the MECO program from the ISMS home page. You can also check with your School’s student Affairs Office for a copy.  Finally, you can send a booklet request to mss@isms.org with your name and mailing address to receive a booklet at home. Thank you.    

Regards,

The Illinois State Medical Society
Medical Student Section