Grassi Retina Gap Year Internship
Internship Specifics
Grassi Retina offers a one-to-two-year, paid internship designed for pre-health graduates seeking valuable clinical experience during their gap year. The Grassi Retina Gap Year Internship (GRGYI) provides an exceptional opportunity to work closely under the mentorship of Dr. Michael Grassi and our experienced clinical team. Interns will gain comprehensive hands-on experience across various aspects of patient care, supporting the diagnosis and treatment of retinal conditions. Given the substantial level of patient interaction, this position is both highly competitive and demanding, yet immensely rewarding. We are pleased to note that nearly 95% of our interns have successfully been accepted to medical school following their time with us.
Grassi Retina is proud to have hosted medical interns since 2021. Our interns have gone on to attend prestigious medical schools, including Oklahoma State University College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), UIC Rockford, UIC Peoria, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, University of Louisville, Eastern Michigan University, University of Colorado, Florida International University, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Kansas City University, Creighton University, Midwestern University, and the University of Chicago. We are honored to contribute to their medical education and future success.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with patient care throughout the entirety of their visit, including collecting clinical information such as medical histories as requested by Dr. Grassi.
- Input patient data into our electronic medical records system (medical scribing).
- Conduct diagnostic tests, including measuring eye pressure and visual acuity.
- Explain procedures, treatment plans, and diagnoses to patients and their families.
- Communicate with referring physicians’ offices to coordinate patient care.
- Prepare and assist in intravitreal injection and laser eye surgical procedures.
- Administer diagnostic exams, including electroretinograms, visual field tests, eye ultrasounds, retinal imaging, and other related tests.
- Interact with patients both in person and over the phone, providing excellent customer service.
- Ensure proper maintenance of ophthalmologic equipment and assist in keeping exam rooms organized and sanitized.
Who Can Apply
We invite applications from college seniors and recent graduates with a pre-health background who are eager to gain valuable experience in a healthcare setting. No prior experience is required; we will provide comprehensive training tailored to our clinical environment. Ideal candidates will be detail-oriented, professional, and possess strong communication skills.
Application Process
We are currently accepting applications for positions beginning in May/June 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a final submission deadline of March 1, 2025. Preference will be given to candidates available for the full one-to-two-year duration of the internship. We encourage applicants to submit their materials as early as possible. To apply, please send your cover letter and resume to ar@grassiretina.com for consideration.