David Satcher Underrepresented Minority Visiting Medical Student Clerkship

By Debra Leizman, MD

UH Research & Education Update | June 2021

In 1991, University Hospital Cleveland Medical Center, a primary affiliate of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, created a national recruitment model for underrepresented minority medical students by establishing the David Satcher Clerkship.  This recruitment effort aimed to ensure that the diversity of future generations of healthcare leaders receives accurate representation and reflects our institutional pledge to address the needs of underserved and underrepresented communities.

The David Satcher Clerkship annually hosts four to eight underrepresented minority 4th-year medical students from Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) and Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) accredited schools (US citizens only).  The Satcher clerkship opportunity combines hands-on exposure to healthcare experiences, scholarship, and mentorship with hospital and community leaders.  University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center offers 93 different medical student electives for Case Western Reserve SOM and other visiting medical students.  A David Satcher clerk chooses their preferred elective.   The clerkships or electives run for a maximum of 4-weeks July through October. Block times may be flexible if necessary. Eligible students who apply for the David Satcher Clerkship will have their application processing fees waived.  Application information can be found on the UH Visiting Medical Student website. Interested students should apply through the AAMC-VSLO application platform.

David Satcher was the first African American to graduate with his MD and PhD from the Case Medical Science Training Program. Dr. Satcher was the United States 16th Surgeon General and former Department of Health and Human Services Secretary for Health. His public service tenure also includes serving as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director from 1993 to 1998.

As an integral part of the residency recruitment initiative, this program focuses on the inclusion of a diverse generation of future healthcare leaders. Medical students who qualify as a Satcher clerk and are interested in training at University Hospitals CMC are encouraged to apply.