AHN is developing a national model for recruiting medical students committed to community health, cultivating the next generation of healthcare leaders dedicated to quality care and access in our communities. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive, and our commitment extends beyond simply ensuring access; we are building a future where health is attainable for all.
Our AHN Clerkship program is a key component of this initiative. Each year, we host four medical students (open to all US citizens) for a hands-on experience at our academic medical center, showcasing career paths focused on community health. This program prioritizes the recruitment and inclusion of future healthcare leaders deeply committed to serving under-resourced populations. Clerkships are four weeks in length, available July through October, with flexible scheduling options. The AHN Clerkship is affiliated with Drexel University College of Medicine and serves as a vital training ground within our tertiary care hospital setting.
Dr. George Magovern, Sr., a world-renowned pioneer in cardiovascular surgery, joined Allegheny General Hospital (AGH) in 1957, leading the burgeoning field at a time when many doubted its viability. National mortality rates for cardiac surgery approached 50%, with procedures lengthy and often resulting in significant blood loss. Driven to improve outcomes, Dr. Magovern developed a groundbreaking sutureless prosthetic valve, first implanted in 1962. This innovative technique, published in Circulation in 1963, significantly reduced operative time and led to exceptional results, rapidly establishing AGH as a regional center of excellence. The Magovern valve saw widespread use throughout the United States well into the 1970s.
His pioneering work led to his appointment as AGH's Chief of Surgery in 1970. Over the next 25 years, he exponentially grew the open-heart surgery program, making it one of the ten largest in the United States by the time of his retirement. As Program Director for the cardiothoracic surgical residency for over 25 years, he mentored numerous residents from diverse backgrounds across North America, Europe, the Middle East, India, and Asia, fostering an inclusive and exceptional training environment. Known for his infectious enthusiasm and innovative, bold approach to patient care, Dr. Magovern imparted his commitment to excellence to generations of surgeons.
His profound impact is evidenced by numerous accolades, including being named one of Pittsburgh Magazine's "100 Most Influential Pittsburghers of the Century" (1999), receiving the American Heart Association's "Pulse of Pittsburgh Award" (2003), and the Senator John Heinz History Center's "Medal of Innovation Award" (2008).
The George J. Magovern Clerkship will honor Dr. Magovern's legacy by inspiring medical students to embrace his spirit of innovation, resilience, and unwavering commitment to patient care. The clerkship will challenge participants to cultivate dynamic, collaborative teams across all healthcare disciplines.
Benefits of the AHN Clerkship include:
Features of the AHN Clerkship include:
Expectations for the clerkship include:
Applicants should meet the following criteria:
AHN requires all visiting medical students to have valid personal health insurance, whether through their medical school or via personal coverage. AHN does not provide personal health insurance for visiting medical students.
Malpractice and/or general liability insurance is not provided to visiting medical students. This must be provided by the student or his/her medical school. Documented proof of health insurance, malpractice coverage and a record of immunizations are part of the VSLO application. Documentation of student-purchased liability coverage must be confirmed 30 days prior to the start of the elective(s). If your school does not provide such coverage please contact our medical student office immediately.
The Allegheny Health Network uses the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO) portal for accepting and processing clerkship applications. Visit the AAMC - Visiting Student Learning Opportunities webpage for additional information on our program and to complete an application.
If you are experiencing any technical issues in completing or submitting your application, contact AAMC's VSLO support for assistance.
