Reconceptualizing Internship Training Within the Evolving Clinical Science Training Model

Abstract

As changes in health-care delivery impel us to refine clinical science training, the opportunity arises to reconceptualize internship training to align more closely with clinical science values and outcomes. We present observations on the evolution of internship training with a focus on the following issues. First, we highlight the significance of a public-health perspective for clinical science as a basis for refining training goals and practices. Second, we briefly review how internship training evolved (where it has come from) to set the context for continuing evolution (where it might go). Third, we discuss the need for an expanded definition of clinical competence for clinical science training to better align with innovations in health care and to prepare graduates for new career opportunities. Finally, we present examples of new models for internship training that might accommodate the continuing redefinition of internship training in clinical science.