10 things you need to know before applying for post-graduate internships in medicine

The post-graduate internship is the final phase of the training required of a physician. To be eligible for the Physician Licensure Examination, one must complete a 12-month post-graduate internship program.

Post-graduate internships can be career-shaping experiences. It is key that medical students know what they’re getting into as early as the application process. 

Here are 10 useful things every medical student needs to know before applying for post-graduate internships:

1. Consider your post-graduate internship expectations

What do you want out of your post-graduate internship? Are you looking to network with other medical professionals within specific medical institutions? Are you looking for worthwhile training experience?

Setting your expectations for your post-graduate internship experience will help you determine your desired program, medical institution, and the amount of effort you put into it.

2. Take note of the time and resources you’ll need to study for the boards

Not many medical students and graduates realize the amount of time and resources they’ll need to study for the Philippine Medical Boards (if they eventually decide to take it).

Some medical students go to review centers, others study for the medical boards as early as junior or post-graduate internships. 

3. Be informed on how specific post-graduate internships view the medical boards

Each post-graduate internship program has its own approach when it comes to preparing the interns for the medical boards.

Some institutions end their hospital rotations in the mid-year to give medical students time to study for the medical boards. 

There are also some post-graduate internship programs that provide in-house review classes, or even allocate protected hours of work for studying. While other institutions give no time at all.

If you’re considering taking the medical baords after your post-graduate internship, you should be on top of how your desired institution views medical board preparations.

4. Think about the specialty you want to pursue

Considering the specialty you want to pursue can help narrow down your choices for post-graduate internships, and what to expect out of them.

For instance, if medical students wanted to take up the public practice, they may be inclined to take their post-graduate internships at Department of Health hospitals. 

5. Consider the accessibility between your home and your chosen institution

You will be expected to report to your post-graduate internship regularly for extended periods of shifts. 

Consider how close or how far your chosen medical institution would be from where you live, especially with how often you would report to your post-graduate internship.

6. Some med schools have predetermined post-graduate internship programs

Certain Medical Schools have predetermined post-graduate internship programs for their students—meaning they don’t have a choice which institution they can complete their post-graduate internship at. 

Be informed about the curriculum and program offers of your Medical School!

7. Some post-graduate interns can opt for ‘internship matching’

Internship matching is the application process by which post-graduate interns can be assigned to their hospital of choice for the duration of their internship (provided that their med school does not have a predetermined program).

8. Not all post-graduate internships are created equal

Each post-graduate internship has its own training programs and rotations. Some post-graduate internships are done across multiple hospitals and multiple communities.

Some only interact with one specific community or operate in one specific hospital. Institution and community rotations may vary due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

9. Choose institutions that align with your goals

Don’t feel pressured to take on your post-graduate internship at a medical institution that does not align with your personal goals. 

Just because your alma mater is offering a post-graduate internship program, does not automatically mean you have to apply for that specific program.

10 Access the many online resources at your disposal

There are many online resources available to anyone who wants to learn more about post-graduate internships in medicine.

The Association of Philippine Medical Schools (APMC) is a curious medical student’s best friend. This group constantly shares many resources on post-graduate internships requirements, important documents, and application forms.

The Electronic National Internship Program System (E-NIPS) is also a great online platform wherein medical students can apply for post-graduate internships, inquire about available hospital slots, and track the internship application statuses.

Conclusion

A post-graduate internship is a 12-month commitment. There is so much to consider before sending out your applications.

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