GAP YEAR AT HEARTLAND

A bridge into medicine — gain meaningful clinical experience, mentorship, and advantage before you begin medical school.

The Heartland Dermatology Gap-Year Clinical Program is a 12 month, full-time opportunity designed for recent graduates on the path to medical school, PA school, nursing, or other healthcare careers. If you’re in the year between college and your next stage of training, this program offers real-world clinical experience, personalized mentorship, and a solid foundation for your future.

“The time I spent at Heartland Dermatology was an incredible asset to my acceptance into medical school. It provided me with high volume hands on clinical experience while also providing a great behind the scenes look into medical charting. This experience was a crucial stepping stone along my journey into the medical field. I am forever grateful for the skills and knowledge I was able to obtain while working with the staff at Heartland Dermatology.”

-Justin McCartney, Medical School Student

“My time at Heartland Dermatology provided me with valuable clinical skills that have made patient interactions in medical school much easier. I am grateful to have worked for a company and team that supported my dream of attending medical school and continues to support me today.”

-Ethan Speer, Medical School Student

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

Your daily roles may include:

• Clinic Assignment: Participants are placed at a Heartland Dermatology clinic near their home location (based on site availability).

• Role: You’ll train and work as a Medical Assistant, handling patient intake, EMR documentation, assisting with procedures, suture removal, and patient education. Training begins with a structured four-week onboarding program following Heartland’s Clinical Training Manual.

• Cycle: Each participant commits to 30–40 hours/week for 12 months, with the option to extend for a second year. At the end of each cycle, participants help train the incoming group.

• Mentorship: You’ll be paired with a supervising physician or advanced practice provider (APP) for career guidance and letters of recommendation.

• Expanded Experience: Beyond general dermatology, participants also gain exposure through shadowing opportunities in Dermatopathology, our DermPath Lab, Mohs Surgery, and Aesthetics.

• Team Oversight: Day-to-day scheduling is managed by your lead nurse or nurse manager, with additional guidance from your supervising provider and the leadership team.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

Your daily roles may include:

• Assisting in patient intake: histories, vitals, documentation

• Observing and helping with procedures or clinical workflows (as appropriate to your clinic)

• Scribing/documenting in the electronic medical record (EMR)

• Patient education and counseling (pre & post procedure, treatment plans)

• Coordinating scheduling, follow-up tasks

• Participating in quality improvement or research initiatives

• Attending rounds, team huddles, or staff meetings

• Receiving one-on-one training sessions and feedback

We will adapt your experience to reflect your interests and clinic needs.

How to Apply:

1. 1. Send your CV and cover letter to [email protected]

   2. Indicate your preferred start time (January or May)

   3. Specify your preferred Heartland Dermatology location