Duke University Integrated Health Sciences Internship Program
Program Description: Internship opportunities are available at the Duke Center for Living for motivated graduate or undergraduate students majoring in health science, exercise physiology, kinesiology, human physiology or cardiac rehabilitation.
We are dedicated to providing an excellent intern experience by offering the opportunity for numerous hands on experiences and other learning and educational opportunities.
Interns gain experience working with clinical trials investigating the effects of exercise interventions on cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes in the laboratory of Dr. William Kraus. Interns will have the opportunity to become familiar with the function and operation of laboratory equipment used for subject testing and collection of physiological data while assisting with data collection, data reduction, and data analysis. Specifically, interns will take an active role in cardiopulmonary exercise stress testing, muscle strength and physical function testing, vascular reactivity/stiffness testing, body composition analysis, as well as the supervision of exercise interventions in a variety of populations. In addition, interns may be involved in taking blood samples (from an IV), spinning and pipetting plasma for OGTT and other studies involving blood sampling (e.g. hyperglycemic clamps).
- Interns will be assigned a mentor to help coordinate their specific internship goals and responsibilities, and will report to this person for the duration of the internship.
- Internships are 15 weeks in duration and available fall, spring and summer semesters.
- All interns will be expected to work 40 hours per week.
- No stipend is provided.
- Travel expenses to and from Duke are paid up to a total of $1200.
Currently we have several exercise studies funded that will be active during next semester:
- Effects of Ranolazine (anti-angina drug) versus placebo and Exercise training in patients with angina on angina frequency, training responses, onset of angina during max test..
- Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) in prediabetics on immune function, inflammation, glucose tolerance and functional changes.
- Effects of High-Intensity Interval training in rheumatoid arthritis patients (similar outcomes)
In addition, we are involved in a number of non-exercise clinical studies investigating pancreas function and incretins (GLP-1 in particular). These studies involve infusing GLP-1 and / or GLP-1 receptor blockers (Exendin-9) during a hyperglycemic clamp.
Eligibility Requirements: Preference will be given to students currently enrolled in graduate or undergraduate exercise science programs or related fields; however, other interested candidates will be accepted when positions are available. Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 will not be considered. Excellent communication skills and a high level of professionalism are essential because patient/client interaction is a vital aspect of this program. Interns are expected to be highly motivated, organized, self-directed, and open to feedback in order to ensure a mutually beneficial internship experience.
Deadlines:
For the SUMMER Semester:
Application due by – March 18th, 2016.
Decision made by – First week in April, 2016
Interested individuals should send a résumé and cover letter describing their background, academic standing/GPA, interests, and career goals along with contact information for three professional or academic references to Cris Slentz, Ph.D., Director Intern Program at cris.slentz@duke.edu