Gap Year Internship Program
Our Gap Year program is intended to provide a hands-on learning experience and mentorship from practicing clinicians to stellar students interested in future medical school, APP school, or other healthcare avenues. Typically, these roles are filled after a student graduates from undergraduate school, while preparing medical school applications. Applicants must have a strong desire to learn and be comfortable working in a surgical environment.
Dr. Rachel Ness, owner and founder of Fargo Center for Dermatology has proudly provided care to her dermatology patients at the same practice since 2008. Dr. Ness is a board-certified dermatologist diplomat through the American Board of Dermatology and serves as a fellow for the American Academy of Dermatology.
Dr. Ness created the Gap Year Internship Program for students interested in future medical school, APP school or other healthcare avenues. This program provides a hands-on learning experience and mentorship along-side herself and her extraordinary team of board-certified Physician Assistants.
Learn more about the practice and our team here.
HANDS ON EXPERIENCE
"After my gap year, I went to PA school at Rocky Mountain College. I truly had the best experience as a gap year at Fargo Derm. This internship has taught me how to establish connections with patients and how to work effectively as a team. I also learned valuable skills and knowledge that will help me in school and as a PA."
- Bailey Boehler, past Gap Year
Accepted to Rocky Mountain College
"My gap year benefitted me in many ways and ultimately prepared me even more for my next step into the medical field. Having the experience of working so closely on patient cases and inquire skills that I would not have built prior to attending medical school has greatly impacted me and my future. Building lifelong relationships was a bonus that I would not change for anything."
- Sharrie Heinert, past Gap Year
Accepted to Western Atlantic School of Medicine
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time working in dermatology and am constantly able to make connections on course material.”
- Nate Adamietz, past Gap Year
Accepted to Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine
“After my gap year, I went to
medical school at University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine and then matched into Emergency Medicine at University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville.”
- Nicholas Wilde, past Gap Year
Accepted to University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine
“This program was a great
opportunity to assist the doctor and the patients and get a lot of experience under my belt. I love that dermatology is so versatile. I got to learn so much!”
- Megan Lorenz, past Gap Year
Accepted to UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences
“After my gap year at Fargo Center for Dermatology, I entered medical school at A.T. Still University - Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, MO. I am currently a 4th year medical student living in Phoenix, AZ completing my
clinical rotations.”
- Abigail Zikmund, past Gap Year
Accepted to Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
"I truly LOVED my gap year experience at Fargo Center for Dermatology. Dr. Ness and Nikki were the main providers when I was there and I learned so much from them, not only about dermatology but how to be a great future provider. They showed me the importance of teamwork with your fellow providers and nursing staff, and how crucial it is to establish trust and relationship with their patients."
- Somer Bucholz, past Gap Year
Accepted to St. George’s University School of Medicine
"I cannot say enough good things about Fargo Center for Dermatology's gap year internship program. I have learned so much about a wide variety of diseases and conditions and providing wholesome care and understood how important and meaningful providing top quality care is for an individual. This internship has been a privilege to be a part of and has well prepared me to begin my next chapter at medical school."
- Jessica Lanoue, past Gap Year
Accepted to the University of North Dakota School of Medicine
PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITIES & REQUIREMENTS
1. Employment shall begin following college graduation and conclude no earlier than late June of the following year.
2. Paid position
3. Responsibilities include, but not limited to:
a. Rooming patients: taking medical history, documentation in EMR, medication reconciliation.
b. Scribe for Physician and Physician Assistants: allows for presence in the room for the entirety of the patient visit, which is a stellar learning experience!
4. Assist with set-up and execution of in-office and surgical procedures
5. Provide patient education (wound care, post-op care, disease, and medication information)
6. Gap Year intern shall take time outside of regular work hours to familiarize themselves with basic dermatology, EMR tutorials, and other “homework” provided during the onboarding process.
7. Gap Year intern shall be available to work 30-40 hours per week Monday – Friday during normal daytime office hours (7:45am-5:30pm).
8. In addition to working as a clinical assistant, gap year intern shall also be asked to cross-train in other office duties such as assistance with front desk receptionist, calling patients with biopsy results, etc.
9. Gap Year Program interns have the opportunity to stay on for additional years (subsequent years July 1st – June 30th).
OUR
MISSION
Our mission is to provide the highest-quality patient care by offering the best in medical and surgical dermatological care. We strive to act with regards to the highest level of professionalism and practice in an environment that is beneficial to patients, providers, and staff. We recognize advances in dermatological care and use them for improved patient care while always advocating healthy skin through the prevention and treatment of dermatological conditions.
WALL OF FAME
Nicholas Wilde
Graduated from Gap Year Program in 2018 Accepted to University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine
Abigail Zikmund
Graduated from Gap Year Program in 2019 Accepted to Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
Somer Bucholz
Graduated from the Gap Year Program in 2020 and was accepted to St. George’s University School of Medicine.
Mitch Gullickson
Graduated from Gap Year Program in 2020 Accepted to UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences
Nate Adamietz
Graduated from Gap Year Program in 2021 Accepted to Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine
Alicia Shamdas
Graduated from Gap Year Program in 2022 Accepted to UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences
Megan Lorenz
Graduated from Gap Year Program in 2022 Accepted to UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences
Sam Mastel
Graduated from Gap Year Program in 2022 Accepted to Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine at Boise, ID
Bailey Boehler
Graduated from Gap Year Program in 2023 Accepted to Rocky Mountain College Physician Assistant Program
Jessica Lanoue
Graduated from Gap Year Program in 2023 Accepted to the University of North Dakota School of Medicine
Sharrie Heinert
Graduated from Gap Year Program in 2023 Accepted to Western Atlantic School of Medicine
APPLY NOW
Fargo Center for Dermatology Gap Year Internship Program is fostering the future generation of medical providers.
If you are interested in a Gap Year Internship experience, please submit your resume along with your cover letter to nessoffice@fargoderm.com
