Emergency Medicine
Healthcare  Disparities  Externship

Thank you for your interest in our Healthcare Disparities in Emergency Medicine externship at Carolinas Medical Center (CMC). We recognize the importance of having a diverse workforce in medicine that reflects the patient population we serve, provides culturally sensitive care, and is passionate about fighting healthcare disparities. As a result, Dr. Abena Akomeah, CMC EM residency class of 2017, created the health disparities clerkship.

Who?
Fourth year medical school students who are underrepresented in medicine (URiM) and/or interested in learning about social determinants of health and healthcare disparities. We prescribe to a broad definition of URiM that includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, and immigration status.

What?
Well established emergency medicine away rotation focused on health disparities where you will:
  • Function as an intern under direct attending supervision in our busy level 1 trauma adult and level 1 trauma pediatric emergency departments!
  • Complete a healthcare disparities project of your choice with guidance from our passionate faculty!
  • Get to participate in healthcare disparities lectures just for you
  • Tour local community resources
  • And do an EMS ride along!

When?
  • We offer this rotation for dates that conform to the Wake Forest School of Medicine fourth year elective schedule.

Why?
  • A SLOE and stipend (up to $1000) per rotating student!
  • Incredible on-shift learning:
  • Busy level 1 trauma adult and peds ED (120,000 visits/year) with diverse and underserved patients
  • Dedicated attendings at a top EM residency program
  • Exciting off-shift learning: Healthcare disparities project guidance, lectures focused on what you are passionate about, and tours of community resources
  • Supportive community: Diversity Committee composed of residents, fellows, and attendings and Women in EM Group
  • Lastly, it's Charlotte! A diverse city ranked the #6 best place to live in the US.

How?
We confirm the rotation scheduling here at CMC, but you must register as a visiting student through Wake Forest to receive credit and to be eligible to function as a student at our institution. As such, it is imperative that you promptly complete all necessary paperwork as directed by Anita Walker.

We have a limited number of slots for each rotation. As such, I personally ask that you not accept a slot unless you are sure that you can commit to completing the rotation. If you are making a preliminary inquiry, please do not request or accept a slot - we will be happy to place you on the wait-list. I am aware that some students schedule multiple rotations for the same time period and then wait until later to decide which commitment to honor. Please do not do this as it is unfair to us and to your peers who are turned away as a result of this practice. If you have any concern regarding your ability to commit to completing our rotation, please be in contact with me directly prior to scheduling the rotation.

Applications are due 5 weeks before the start of the rotation and may be submitted through VSAS (4EMED14). The following information will be required:
  1. Application Form
  2. Brief Note of Interest in CMC EM health disparities rotation
  3. CV
  4. USMLE step 1 transcript (to confirm pass so you can treat patients) - please reach out if you do not have your Step 1 score by the time you submit your application
  5. Copy of transcript (to ensure you are in good standing with your medical school)

Thanks again for your inquiry into our Healthcare Disparities in Emergency Medicine externship at CMC and good luck with your fourth year!

Cortlyn Brown, MD
Pronouns: she, her, hers

Contact  Information

Cortlyn Brown, MD
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Vice Director of Diversity and Inclusion
Department of Emergency Medicine
cortlyn.brown@atriumhealth.org ​

Anita Walker
Medical Education Coordinator
​anita.walker@atriumhealth.org
704.355.3968

Department of Emergency Medicine
Carolinas Medical Center
P.O. Box 32861
Charlotte, NC 28232-2861
Fax: 704.355.8356