Career Insights: Social Work

Career Insights is a speaker and panel series that introduces Barnard students to professionals from a broad range of fields. Guest speakers, most often Barnard alumnae, will hold informal chats or participate in panel presentations based on their industry.

In this edition of Career Insights, you'll hear from alumnae who have careers in Social Work to understand their career trajectories and decision-making. If you're interested in gaining more insight in these industries or looking to explore various career paths, we invite you to join us! Confirmed Panelists: Elaine Gottesman '14 - Geriatric Social Worker, NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center Elia Johnson '10 - Director of Social Work, Appellate Advocates Vikki Campos '11 - College Access Manager, Henry Street Settlement Panelists' Bios: Elaine Gottesman BC '14 is a geriatric social worker, currently working at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center on the Vulnerable Elder Protection Team serving vulnerable older adult patients. She graduated with an MSW from New York University Silver School of Social Work in 2018. At Barnard, Elaine majored in history and was active at the Columbia University Hillel, Barnard College's student government, CU's radio station, and BC's bartending agency. She loved being a student. She is married to a local New Yorker and gets to play every night with her happy 1-year-old baby. Elia Johnson holds a B.A. in Psychology from Barnard College and a Master of Science in Social Work with a concentration in public policy and a minor in law from Columbia University. She is currently the Director of Social Work at Appellate Advocates integrating social work into post-conviction representation in the direct appeal process and special practice areas. Previously, she built and managed the Client Services Program at the Office of the Appellate Defender (OAD). Creating a social work and reentry program to assist clients returning home from incarceration. Prior to joining OAD, Elia worked at Brooklyn Defender Services in the Adolescent Practice working with young people charged with felonies in Brooklyn. Additional prior experience includes interning in family court and in the Human Trafficking Court in Queens. Elia also worked as a Project Associate at the Correctional Association of New York and as a research assistant at the New York State Psychiatric Center and Center for Court Innovation. Vikki Campos thought they would be an immigration lawyer at 17 years old when they applied to Barnard and planned on majoring on Political Science but Barnard opened their eyes to different majors. Vikki ended up choosing Economics based on their love of mathematics. Based on Vikki's desire to help people, they took classes like Economics of Education, Inequality and Poverty, Economics of Gender, Race Law and Economics. During the summer before their senior year, they volunteered as a College Advisor for Let's Get Ready and fell in love with the field. They volunteered in college admissions counseling before changing their career to it in 2015. They have done college admissions counseling for first generation low income high school seniors in both New York City and Los Angeles. After many years in the profession, Vikki realized their students needed more socioemotional support and decided to get their Masters of Social Work at the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College. Vikki is currently doing college access and success work to help FGLI students transition more smoothly to college and hopes to work with college students in the future.  

Register on Handshake. 

Opportunities for Pre-Optometry Students at SUNY Optometry

Eye-CARE Camp - Over the course of a three-day summer camp, Eye-CARE prepares prospective applicants for the rigors of the optometry school application process and health professions programs broadly. Eye-CARE simultaneously exposes participants to the dynamic future of the profession. A selective group of eligible participants will be sponsored to complete a FREE Kaplan "Live Online" OAT prep course proceeding the 3-day camp! Eligibility and further details can be found on our website here. We appreciate the support from VSP and Kaplan, Inc.

• Camp Dates: 6/27/2022 - 6/29/2022 (times TBD)
• Kaplan Live Online Dates: Beginning July 1st, 2022
• Register/Apply Here
• Deadline to apply: 4/22/2022

CSTEP Internship and Summer Academic Programs - For eligible NYS residents, SUNY Optometry's CSTEP Internship and Summer Academic programs are great opportunities for pre-health students to get hands on experience and explore one potential health profession, while getting professional development opportunities as well through our workshops and activities. The link below includes more information about each program (eligible candidates may apply to participate in both programs simultaneously).

• Dates: 6/13/2022 - 6/24/2022
  
• Apply Here
  
• Deadline to apply: TBD
  

Questions? Email the SUNY Downstate team at admissions@sunyopt.edu.

Weill Cornell Medicine Feil Family BMRI Neuroscience Summer Diversity Scholars Program

The Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute (BMRI) at Weill Cornell Medicine (WCM) is pleased to announce the return of the BMRI Summer Diversity Scholar. The BMRI Summer Scholar offers promising young scientists residing in the New York City area a 10-week long paid internship at a world-renowned research facility with leaders in neurodegeneration research. Individuals will receive one-on-one training with a researcher in one of the BMRI/Neuroscience Graduate Program laboratories, develop a research idea and plan, learn scientific methods, and produce their own data. They will also be included in workshops and seminars sponsored by WCM’s Office of Diversity. At the end of the internship, BMRI diversity scholars will present their findings in a research seminar. This year the summer program is planned to be held in-person. Applicants will be notified via email should any changes need to be made due to health and safety concerns relating to COVID-19.

Requirements:

• Applicants should be currently pursuing a college-level degree. A science-related major (e.g., biology, chemistry, math, engineering, etc.) is not required; non-science majors should discuss their science-related interests in their personal statement.

• Commitment to a 10-week long, summer internship in one of the BMRI labs. (https://brainandmind.weill.cornell.edu/faculty-research-0).

• Identify as coming from an underrepresented background (Underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, individuals with disabilities, and/or individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, as defined by NIH guidelines: https://extramural-diversity.nih.gov/diversity-matters/get-the-facts).

• Strong motivation to pursue a doctoral degree and/or career in scientific research or a science-related field.

Application materials:

• Personal statement (1000 words maximum) describing the applicant’s interest in science. We encourage applicants to include:

    o Description of future academic and career goals and how this program may aid them.

    o Previous research experience(s) and what they gained from those experiences. If the applicant has not yet had research experience, we ask that the applicant describe skills they believe will help them in this experience.

    o Which BMRI research labs are of interest to them.

    o What they hope to obtain through this program.

    o How COVID-19 has impacted their academic/career goals.

• Current CV or resume.

• 2 letters of reference from a professor or mentor that can attest to the individual’s potential and previous accomplishments.

Compensation: Scholars are expected to work full-time and will be paid a $5000 stipend.

Program duration: June 6, 2022 through August 12, 2022

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, April 8, 2022

• Completed applications should be submitted at https://weillcornell.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_80RRRaNP7vSZP5I.

• Letters of reference should be submitted separately to WCMNeuroScholar@gmail.com.

See the FAQ for more information: https://brainandmind.weill.cornell.edu/diversity-and-inclusion/bmri-summer-scholars-program. Contact WCMNeuroScholar@gmail.com for questions.

Diversity is one of Weill Cornell Medicine’s core values and is essential to achieving excellence in patient care, research, and education. We welcome applicants who share our commitment to fostering a culture of fairness, equity, and belonging. Weill Cornell Medicine is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, or genetic information.

Job Opportunity: Clinical Assistant, Hudson Heights Pediatrics

Pediatric practice in upper Manhattan seeks graduating senior or recent graduate for full-time position starting in the Spring of 2022. Opportunity to start part-time before graduation. A fitting training ground for those interested in medicine, health care, or small business management. Hudson Heights Pediatrics is looking for someone interested in both the clinical and managerial aspects of medicine.

Our ideal candidate has:
● interest in the field of healthcare
● effective communication skills and is comfortable interacting both in-person and over the phone
● the desire to take initiative
● comfort multitasking, prioritizing, and dealing with several pressing matters at once
● sensitivity to the needs of patients, visitors and coworkers
● excellent organizational skills
● strong teamwork skills
● experience working with children

Responsibilities include:
● serving as clinical and administrative staff, including taking patient vitals, assisting with vaccines and bloodwork, performing point-of-care tests and other tasks to be assigned
● conducting intake and checkout and other reception duties
● discussing clinical cases with patients over the phone
● helping to manage the practice and doctor’s schedules
● reviewing and helping to implement and monitor Quality Incentive Programs
● assisting with billing and claim submission and follow up with insurance companies

This is a full-time position starting in spring 2022 and requiring 35-40 hours per week, including one
Sunday per month. Spanish language skills are a plus. We work with an amazing team of doctors led by
Dr. Joseph Richter who has been affiliated with Columbia Presbyterian Hospital for 22 years and founded the practice in 2009. Hudson Heights Pediatrics has been managed and staffed by Columbia and Barnard graduates since its opening. HHP staff alumni have since completed or are pursuing degrees in medical school, nurse practitioner programs (pediatric, midwifery and family medicine) and masters in public health administration.

Please send your resume and a cover letter detailing your experience and interest to goldman@hudsonheightspediatrics.com. 

AAMC Financial Assistance Resources and Webinars

 

2022 AAMC Fee Assistance Program Webinar Recording

A recording of the AAMC Fee Assistance Program webinar held on Feb. 22 is now available in the Premed Webinars section of our website. This 60-minute webinar covered the 2022 Fee Assistance Program benefits, new eligibility requirements, the application process, and Q&A.

FIRST Webinar - Paying for Medical School (on March 15 at 7 p.m. ET).

Have your students asked any of the following questions?

How much will it cost to apply to medical school, and will I be able to afford it? How do you apply for financial aid? How much financial aid will I be eligible for and what kind of aid is available? What should I ask the medical school’s financial aid office before I start medical school? Will I be able to repay my loans and how long will it take to pay them off? Are there any programs that forgive student loan debt or help me repay my loans?

If so, make sure they register for the Paying for Medical School Webinar on Tuesday, March 15 at 7 p.m. ET so they can get the answer to these questions and many more. Registrants will receive a confirmation email with details on how to access the webinar. Space is limited, so please register by March 14.

Event: NJMS Virtual Admissions Information Sessions

Our first two sessions will focus on our Early Decision process. As the only “real” Early Decision process in the country, NJMS will begin interviewing applicants the last week in June and Acceptance decisions will begin on July 7, 2022. These sessions will help you understand the ED process in addition to the regular application process. Register for one of the sessions at: NJMS Virtual Admissions Information Sessions

 

Our Virtual Admissions Information Sessions will outline topics such as:

• The Application Process
• Applying Early Decision
• The AMCAS Application

• Coursework/GPA: How this information is reviewed by the admissions committee
• The MCAT: How it is used by the admissions committee
• Personal Statement/Listing of Activities: Key points and elements to include
• Letters of Recommendation: Proper protocol
• Research/Extracurricular/Leadership Activities: How to convey experience, leadership ability and interest in medicine
• The Interview: Tips on how to prepare; The role of an interview in the admission process
• Growth/Gap Year(s): How to use this time

 

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please feel free to contact The Office of Admissions at: njmsadmiss@njms.rutgers.edu.

Event: Columbia University Med School Fair

On Saturday, March 26th, from 11am to 1pm ET we will be hosting the following schools. Students can register here.

• Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine
  
• The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences
  
• New York Medical College
  
• University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
• Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
• Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell

On Saturday, April 2nd, we will be hosting a panel discussion on diversity, equity and inclusion in medical education and care. Students can register for this event here.

We will discuss admissions, student life, curriculum, and continuing improvement for our healthcare systems for all people with some leaders in medicine including:

• Dr. Gary Butts - Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
• Dean for Diversity Programs, Policy, and Community Affairs
• Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer for the Mount Sinai Health System
• Professor - Medical Education 
• Professor - Pediatrics 
• Professor - Environmental Medicine & Public Health
  
  
• Dr. Joy Deanna Howell - Weill Cornell Medical College
  
• Assistant Dean for Diversity and Student Life at Weill Cornell Medicine
• Vice Chair for Diversity in the Department of Pediatrics
  
• Professor of Clinical Pediatrics
  
  
• Dr. Hilda Hutcherson - Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
• Senior Associate Dean for Diversity and Multicultural Affairs
  
• Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at CUMC
  
  
• Dr. Ann-gel Palermo - Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
• Senior Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• Associate Professor - Medical Education
• Associate Professor - Pediatrics
  
  
• Dean Mercedes Rivero - Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
• Assistant Dean for Admissions

Job Opportunity: Research Assistant, Morishita Lab at Mt Sinai School of Medicine

 Morishita lab (http://www.morishita-lab.com/) has an opening for a full-time research assistant position to participate in the studies of cortical mechanisms of cognitive behavior relevant to psychiatric disorders. We use mouse models and take an integrated approach, combining molecular, anatomical, electrophysiological, and behavior methodologies.

This position provides an opportunity to gain significant research in an interdisciplinary lab environment, as well as to contribute to papers. The position focuses on rodent behavioral study of cognitive circuits relevant to neurodevelopmental disorders. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: conducting touchscreen based cognitive testings, data analysis, histologist characterization, and exposure to advanced circuit manipulations and measurements. See our recent publications relevant to this position (Norman et al Neuron 2020, Falk et al Science Advances 2021, Nabel et al Nature Communications 2020) 

Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences required; background in neuroscience preferred. We

value diversity and inclusion. Minimum of 2 years of commitment is expected. A candidate is also expected to start no later than June 1st 2022.

Application: Please send cover letter, CV, and contact information for more than 3 references as a

single attached file to: hirofumi.morishita@mssm.edu

Job Opportunity: Research Coordinator, NYU Langone Cardiology

Position Summary:

Responsible for providing moderate to advanced range of coordination of Research studies conducted at the Medical Center, assists with the recruitment, enrollment, grant submissions, research data collection and study coordination activities. Performs intra-operative monitoring and serves as liaison with internal and external funding agencies. Ensures the accurate execution of research protocols in accordance with Good Clinical Practices, HIPAA, and required obligations to patient/subject, Principal Investigator, Research Team and sponsor. Interfaces directly with patients/subjects and Principal Investigator in support of the clinical trials if applicable. Establishes liaisons with relevant parties at the Medical Center that may include: Research Nurses, Research Pharmacists, Program Managers, Medical Technicians, Clinical Information Systems and regulatory Services. Might assist in the initiation and management of research studies. Works under general direction

Job Responsibilities:

• Grants -Prepares and submit grant applications and other grants related an activity such as developing grants applications/proposals and fund raising activities if applicable. Collects and organizes required paperwork for submission if applicable. Follow up and coordinates resolution of all issues progress. Reports to the sponsors to fund medical research in the division.

• Human Subjects' Research - As applicable, oversee the submission of necessary documents required by the NYU Institutional Board (IRB), NYU Office of Clinical Trials and any other appropriate parties in order to obtain approval to conduct human subjects research (e.g., ensures the update and submission of necessary documents and/or forms to appropriate destination). Might prepare, audit and submit monthly enrollment statistics to the Office of Clinical Trials, and provides other information in timely manner, as necessary.

• Study Regulations - Aware of study regulatory status and keep an up to date copy of regulatory documents. Assists with the informed consent process and ensure that the patient/subject fully understands what is required of them throughout the study. Follows through regularly with the patient/subjects reminding them of visits and compliance. May monitor any outward effects or issues regarding patient/subject safety and report this to the Principal Investigator, Physician and Research Nurse.

• Data Management - Responsible for collecting and auditing patient information for the research project(s). This may include abstraction of data from the patient chart (e.g., laboratory or diagnostic test results, surgical/radiation treatments delivered, adverse drug reactions, etc); abstraction of data for publications, or data collection from outside physicians offices. Audits and manages data from and into the database. Prepares forms and reports, compiles and analyses data, statistics, and other materials for reports. Conducts study visits, obtains and documents information within the time frame specified.

• Budget - Develops a preliminary draft budget and submit to the Director/Principal Investigator. Reviews sponsor-proposed budget for adequate coverage and recommend changes as appropriate. Assists in the preparation of funding reports to funding agencies and helps identify new potential sponsors/agents for trials and researches. Monitor budget throughout trial.

• Decision Making and Problems Solving Combines and evaluates information and data to make decisions about relative importance of information and choosing the best solution to solve problems. Resolves complex situations and refers non solved issues and questions with recommendation to supervisor.

• Participates in special projects and performs other duties as required.

• Recruitment - Screens potential patients/subjects for eligibility to the study. This may include gathering information from the medical record, physician referral, advertisement and directly scheduling a visit to evaluate the patient/subject. Reviews all the elements of the screening process with the Principal Investigator that being: inclusion/exclusion criteria, completed informed consent, documentation of the event and the patient/subject willingness to participate in the study.

• Clinical Competency - competency in performing EKG, phlebotomy technique, centrifuge, handling, storing and shipping of specimens. Clinical training and didactic competency tests may be required to perform basic procedures as part of position expectations. In house training and certification will be provided. Other trainings and competencies may be included as required.

Job Description

• Continuous Learning - Position requires ongoing continuing education in all areas of research development (training programs are provided through the SOM). Promotes own professional growth and development in research role and maintains current expertise in area of practice. Maintains annual requirement of 10 CEUs in continuing research education; employee must demonstrate proof of ongoing research education. Serves as a resource to peers and works collaboratively with other disciplines within the area of expertise.

• Reporting and Analysis- Researches, compiles and consolidates data and conducts preliminary analyzes to data collected for presentation to sponsoring and regulatory agencies. Provides reports to all necessary parties (e.g., the principal investigator, sponsoring agency, etc.) on the progress of the study as needed. Formulates, prepares database and generates preliminary measurement reports for review by PI. May complete assessments on study subjects/patients following protocol (with proper training); continues to follow-through with items and patients as part of the research study.

Additional Position Responsibilities:

Bachelor's Degree Required

Minimum Experience: 2

Communication Strength Required

English Required

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor degree or equivalent in business administration, health care administration or related field. Minimum of two years of progressively responsible project coordination experience, preferably in a research setting. Proficiency in using various Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, Access, Power Point and Outlook. Familiar with Internet applications. Effective oral, written, communication, interpersonal skills. Ability to interface effectively with all levels of management and must work and communicate effectively with both internal and external customers. Ability to work within a team environment as well as independently. Commitment to continuous learning as required by department administration. Ability to operate research related equipment Ability to work and make decisions independently. Time management skills and ability to multitask. Ability to identify, analyze and solve problems: Ability to work well under pressure.

Preferred Qualifications:

Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) Certification is preferred (required in some disciplines). Knowledge of basic medical terminology is preferred. Experience working in an Academic Medical Center preferred

Working Conditions:

Might require physical and manual dexterity needed to lift and support patients and to calibrate equipment.

All interested candidates should reach out to Michelle Shum at Michelle.Shum@nyulangone.org with their CV AND apply online: https://jobs.nyulangone.org/job/14975997/research-coordinator-cardiology-new-york-ny/

Event: SNDA Spring Impressions Program with Columbia University College of Dental Medicine

We would like to invite you to this year's Student National Dental Association's (SNDA) Spring Impressions Program with Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. Usually, this program is held online, however due to the current pandemic, we will be hosting this event virtually through Zoom.  This unique opportunity offers a fun and interactive day with current dental students and dental faculty members. If you are interested in exploring the field of dentistry and/or learning how to apply to dental school, then the Impressions Program is perfect for you!  

Participants will be able to hear about the lives of current dental students, learn about the application and interview processes, and ask any questions about dentistry and dental school at large. The Armed Forces will also present on scholarship opportunities during and after dental school. Please join us for this fun-filled day! We will even be raffling off prizes including DAT Bootcamp Subscription discounts and more! Finally, for the first time we will be providing 1 on 1 personal statement editing and an individual application review to some students who attend the event!

This year, the program will be held on Saturday, May 21st from the hours of 10:00 am to 1:00 pm (EST). Zoom instructions as well as the link will be given when we are closer to the event.

If you are interested, please sign up using this link:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScVYPJWR-V6piQpI_0ryEHSRqTOQ1teEgIfDFINq7JrnfIn1g/viewform?usp=sf_link