Consultative Health and Medicine

    St. Olaf alumnus Dr. Chris Johnson ’76 offers a unique opportunity for two current pre-health students to witness a coordinated model of health care for seniors experiencing a variety of chronic physical and mental health conditions. Dr. Johnson founded Consultative Health and Medicine in 2011 to provide a collaborative physician and nurse practitioner approach to onsite medical care for seniors who reside in assisted living and skilled nursing facilities in the Twin Cities metro area.

    Two interns will spend approximately 18-20 hours per week for 8 weeks shadowing Dr. Johnson and nurse practitioners as they consult with patients, their families and other health care providers. The internship will emphasize the opportunity to learn and practice skills in medical interviewing and physical examination. Readings and discussion of clinical topics pertinent to the causes, clinical manifestations, and treatment of common geriatric conditions will be part of the weekly schedule. 

    Read more about this internship here.

    PLEASE NOTE: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this program has been on hold for 2020-2021. This program is also paused for summer 2022.

    QUALIFICATIONS
    *Current junior or senior with strong academic record
    *Pre-health student who plans to pursue medical school
    *Strongly recommended that applicants have taken anatomy & physiology
    *Strong analytical abilities, ability to extend knowledge and skills to the topic at hand and to conceptualize and frame relevant questions
    *Evidence of effectiveness working independently, demonstrated self-starter
    *Learns quickly
    *Ability to interact well with all kinds of people
    LEARNING OBJECTIVES
    Increased awareness and understanding of:
    • The health care needs of the geriatric population, especially the frail elderly.
    • Common chronic health conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s Disease, hypertension, heart failure, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
    • The frailty cycle, its causes and effects in health outcomes, and needed clinical interventions.
    • Emerging trends and expectations in quality reporting.
    • The economics of health care and the Medicare program.
    • Opportunity to participate in a collaborative team approach in responding to patient and family needs, including observation and practice of patient interviewing and examination skills.