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For Students

Discover the GIMSPP Experience

Internal Medicine Preceptorship for First- and Second-Year Medical Students

Ready to step beyond the classroom and into real clinical practice? The General Internal Medicine Statewide Preceptorship Program (GIMSPP) offers first- and second-year Texas medical students a unique, hands-on experience in internal medicine.

Over a two, three, or four-week summer placement, you’ll work one-on-one with a board-certified internal medicine physician in a community or academic setting. The program’s emphasis is to familiarize medical students with the operation of a clinical practice and allow them to experience the full range of activities in the life of a General Internist. During this preceptorship students can develop skills in history taking, physical examination, early diagnosis, and treatment plan formulation, among others.

Why Apply to GIMSPP?

  • Shadow practicing physicians in active clinical settings
  • Build confidence and clinical skills early in your medical education
  • Explore internal medicine as a career path
  • Get inspired by real patient stories and mentorship
  • Potential for a stipend to cover living costs

Who Can Participate

  • First and second-year medical students currently enrolled at a Texas medical school
  • Have not previously participated in GIMSPP

When It Happens

  • Duration: Two, three-, or four-weeks during summer break
  • Application period: Typically is open for the month of February
  • Matching: Students are matched with preceptors from March through July, depending on opportunities
  • Program runs: May through August

Good To Know

  • The more flexible your dates and locations, the easier it is for a match! We rely on volunteer preceptors and we work within their availability. We recommend listing the widest possible known availability at the time of application – you can always adjust your preferences later!
  • We do not match based on subspecialty requests. All of our volunteer preceptors practice at least 40% general internal medicine. We do not accommodate requests for placement in particular subspecialty.
  • Make sure the email given is one you check regularly! GIMSPP communicates primarily via email. A good email address is critical to not missing information about your match!
  • If you have changes to your application, please email us right away .
  • GIMSPP students and preceptors will have a post-program evaluation that is required. You can find the student evaluation here on this page closer to the end of summer

How to Apply

  1. Review eligibility requirements
  2. Submit your online application
  3. Await matching details

FAQs

When do applications open?

Applications are open February 1 – February 28. Matches are based on availability of preceptors. Consideration is given to students enrolled at all Texas Medical Schools. Matches are not guaranteed.

Important: Cities with medical schools and the surrounding suburbs are highly competitive. We recommend recruiting your own preceptor if you are looking to stay in one of those areas.

Am I eligible to participate?

First- and second-year medical students currently enrolled in a Texas Medical School and who has not participated in GIMSPP previously are eligible. Acceptance into the program does not guarantee a match. Matches are processed on the availability of our preceptors. 

How many weeks is a preceptorship? Where can I precept? How many hours?

Preceptorships are two (2), three (3), or four (4) consecutive week rotations with the same preceptor. For a two-week rotation you must record at least 10 days, for a three-week rotation 15 days or a four-week rotation 20 days. If you do not have consecutive weeks available, please indicate this in the “Special Request” section of the application. We will reach out to discuss your specific situation. 

All preceptorships are located in Texas, but the specific locations are up to you! On the application, you are able to indicate two cities you would like us to consider. We will do our best to accommodate the locations you request. We also look at the surrounding suburbs or near-by cities when matching. 

Examples: 

  • In Houston, we also consider Spring, Sugar Land, or Pearland depending on your location. 
  • In Dallas, McKinney and Arlington might be considered. 
  • In Lubbock, Canyon is an option.  
  • In McAllen, the whole metro from Harlingen to La Joya are considered.  
  • Important: Cities with medical schools and the surrounding suburbs are highly competitive. We recommend recruiting your own preceptor if you are looking to stay in one of those areas. 

The specific schedule you will be working vary by preceptor. You will be working with and following a physician’s schedule. Some of GIMSPP preceptors may be a private practice who work 8:00am-5:00pm with every other Friday off. Others may be hospitalists with a 3-days-on-3-days-off schedule. Still others may be 14-hour days – half spent at a private practice, half at a hospital. GIMSPP is designed for you to get a very real feel for what practicing Internal Medicine is like. And the truth is, it varies! 

If you need your schedule worked around a job or other events, you may find it challenging to meet the hours required by your preceptor. Pease let us know of any limitations on your application so we can do our best to accommodate your needs. 

How much are living stipends?

GIMSPP stipends are grant funded. Below you will find the 2024 stipend amounts for 4-week rotations. Stipends are pro-rated for shorter rotations, subject to change, and are not guaranteed. 

Stipends depend on the duration and location of your rotation. If you accept a two-week rotation (10 days), you must work all ten days to be eligible for the stipend. We confirm the length with your preceptor after the completion of your rotation. Your stipend will reflect the days in attendance with your preceptor. Please contact us right away if scheduling changes once you start your rotation. 

The stipend is considered taxable income and must be reported on your annual tax return. To request a stipend, we will need a current W9 form. At the end of the year, an IRS Form 1099-NEC will be sent to everyone who received a stipend. Please contact your tax professional with any questions. 

  • Spend four weeks in a rural underserved area receive $5,000 
  • Spend three weeks in rural underserved area receive $3,750 
  • Spend two weeks in rural underserved area receive $2,500 
  • Spend four weeks in an urban area receive $3,000 
  • Spend three weeks in urban area receive $2,250 
  • Spend two weeks in urban area receive $1,500 

To determine if your preceptorship qualifies as a MUA/HPSA or Rural area, click the links and follow the steps below. 

  • MUA/HPSA  – 1) Type preceptor’s address 
  • Rural  – 1) Select the 2023 Rural-Urban Continuum Codes data set; 2) determine the preceptor’s county; and 3) make sure the county population is less than 125,000. 
How does Matching work?

Matching starts March 1, and we work hard to match as many GIMSPP applicants as we can. Your GIMSPP coordinator will gather a list of potential matches based on your preferences and contact them to inquire about your requested dates. Once we receive approval from the physician, you will receive a Match Confirmation Email. This email will include the selected preceptor’s name and location for you to approve. Once you confirm the match, a Finalization Email will be sent to you and the preceptor to exchange contact information and give you next steps. Reach out to your preceptor and/or their staff find out your schedule, any paperwork and training requirements, and get to just know your preceptor!

Important: Cities with medical schools and the surrounding suburbs are highly competitive. We strongly recommend recruiting your own preceptor. Please note: You MUST reply to the match confirmation email to confirm your match. If you think you are missing emails from GIMSPP, check your spam folders, email, and/or call us at 512-285-8953. If you fail to reply to the Match Confirmation Email by the deadline given in the email, your match will be revoked and assigned to someone else. Rematches are not guaranteed.

When will I find out who I’m matched with?

All GIMSPP matches are based on preceptor availability, and we recruit preceptors through our entire matching season. Important: Cities with medical schools and the surrounding suburbs are highly competitive. We strongly recommend recruiting your own preceptor

Important: Cities with medical schools and the surrounding suburbs are highly competitive. We strongly recommend recruiting your own preceptor. Please note: You MUST reply to the match confirmation email to confirm your match. If you think you are missing emails from GIMSPP, check your spam folders, email, and/or call us at 512-285-8953. If you fail to reply to the Match Confirmation Email by the deadline given in the email, your match will be revoked and assigned to someone else. Rematches are not guaranteed.

Can I request a preceptorship in a subspecialty? Surgery?

GIMSPP focuses on General Internal Medicine. All of our volunteer preceptors practice at least 40% general internal medicine, apart from any subspecialty. We will not honor placement based on requests for a subspecialty. If you have specific interests, we recommend recruiting your own preceptor if you are looking to stay in one of those areas. Please see the requirements for preceptors here.

Will I have to do additional paperwork before starting the preceptorship?

It varies by placement. GIMSPP will let you know about any paperwork we are aware of, but reach out to your preceptor and their office staff as soon as your match is confirmed to check. If GIMSPP does not give you any information, please ask the administrative contact for your preceptor. Do not wait until you start to ask. Depending on where you are placed, there can be up to 8 weeks of paperwork and/or training needed prior to starting. It is your responsibility to complete the paperwork and/or training. Not doing so may result in the termination of your preceptorship. If you have difficulties contacting your preceptor or their staff, please reach out to GIMSPP for assistance.

I have changes to my application

We do our best to work with you. Please email GIMSPP to let us know.

I signed up and need to cancel.
Do rural locations offer housing?

It is generally up to the student to find housing in the location of their preceptorship. Examples from past students matched to rural locations found an Air BnB, stayed with local-area friends and family, or rented at hotel. GIMSPP does not assist with housing nor does the program affiliate with any rental, hostel, hotel, or other similar programs or companies. 

Can I recruit my own preceptor?

Absolutely– recruiting your own preceptor allows you more control over the location of your preceptorship and expedites your GIMSPP match timeline. Not sure how? Reach out to GIMSPP staff for tips on how to get started. If you know an eligible internal medicine physician  who you want to work with, simply let the GIMSPP office know on the application.

The process once you have applied:

  • The preceptor must complete the availability form.
  • GIMSPP staff confirm the preceptor meets the requirements outlined by the grant.
  • GIMSPP staff will reach out to the preceptor to confirm their participation.
  • Once we receive approval from the physician, you will receive a Match Confirmation Email. This email will include the selected preceptor’s name and location for you to approve.
  • Once you confirm the match, a Finalization Email will be sent to you and the preceptor to exchange contact information and give you next steps.
  • Reach out to your preceptor and/or their staff find out your schedule, any paperwork and training requirements, and get to just know your preceptor!
Do I have to commit to Internal Medicine to participate in GIMSPP?

By participating in GIMSPP you are not committing to internal medicine, but you are committing to expanding your medical horizons!Â