The clerkship and post-clerkship years are a busy and exciting time. However, there is actually ample time in the clinical schedule to complete the work, and it is very possible to integrate your scholarly concentration work into some of the existing clerkships that you will be completing anyway!

Below are some suggestions as to how to approach your schedule with your concentration in mind. As you plan, be sure to check your timeline with your concentration area Directors- faculty will need ample time to review your scholarly product prior to graduation!

Independent Study

An “SC Program Independent Study” elective (BIOL 7160) may be the perfect opportunity for you to continue or finish your concentration work. The elective can be 2-6 weeks in length. These weeks do not have to be contiguous (please include relevant dates on the proposal form). The amount of credit received for the independent study will depend on the number of weeks of work you propose. Retroactive credit cannot be given. The required "faculty sponsor" can be either your direct project mentor, or your concentration area Director- whichever you deem to be more appropriate in your case. Please be sure to pay close attention to the requirements of independent study projects.

Unscheduled Weeks

In addition to using some of your time off for essential things such as sleeping, reconnecting with family, and interviewing for residencies, it may also be possible to use some of your unscheduled time between blocks to reconnect with your scholarly concentration mentor, complete that manuscript, or finish putting together your portfolio of concentration work.