Clinical internship application: Tips, templates, and important information

As a clinical trainee, you will take on various tasks in doctors' offices, hospitals, and pharmacies. To do so, you must apply for the clinical traineeship and meet certain requirements, such as work clothing and certifications. The clinical traineeship allows you to gain practical experience in various areas of outpatient and inpatient healthcare and to apply the knowledge you have acquired during your studies.

Goals and purpose of the clinical internship

The main goal of the clinical internship is to give you, as a prospective physician, an insight into the daily work with patients. You will learn to apply your theoretical knowledge in practice and become familiar with the procedures in various medical facilities. The clinical internship also serves to train your communication skills in dealing with patients and medical staff.

Requirements and duration according to the licensing regulations

According to the current licensing regulations, you must complete a total of four months of clinical training. The requirements consist of one month each in an outpatient facility, a hospital, a primary care facility, and one month in a medical facility of your choice. You will be eligible for the clinical internship after passing the Physikum, i.e., the first medical examination. The completed clinical internships must then be submitted to and recognized by the relevant state examination office.

Possible locations for the clinical internship

There are a variety of facilities to choose from for your clinical placements:

• Hospitals with different specialties
• Specialist practices and general practices
• Rehabilitation clinics
• Public health service facilities
• Research facilities with patient contact
• Pharmacies

The choice of institution should be based on your personal interests and career goals. Take advantage of the opportunity to get to know different specialist areas and working conditions to find out which direction you would like to take later on. Clinical placements abroad are also an enriching experience, but require early planning and organization.

The application process for a clinical internship requires some planning and preparation. Applications for clinical internships can often be informal, which simplifies the process compared to other forms of medical training. To increase your chances of getting the clinical internship you want, you should familiarize yourself with the application deadlines, the required documents, and possible strategies for a successful application early on.

Timing and deadlines for applications

The right timing for your clinical elective application is crucial. Since many medical students want to complete their clinical electives during the semester break, places are often in high demand. Especially at large clinics, it is advisable to apply up to a year in advance. If you are flexible in terms of time and can also do the clinical elective outside of the vacation period, you have a better chance of being accepted. For clinical electives abroad, there are often even earlier application deadlines, which you should definitely take note of.

Required documents and forms

You will usually need the following documents for your clinical internship application:

• A short cover letter
• A tabular resume
• A copy of your preliminary medical examination certificate or a current certificate of enrollment

Some clinics have their own application forms or require additional documents such as proof of vaccinations or an extended certificate of good conduct. Check the website of the respective institution in advance for the exact requirements or inquire by phone.

Tips for a successful application

To improve your chances of getting the clinical internship you want, you should apply to your preferred institutions early and in a targeted manner. Personal contact by phone or email can be helpful. In your cover letter and during any interview, show your motivation and interest in the institution and the department. If possible, also use contacts through family members, acquaintances, or lecturers. Flexibility regarding time and location also increases your chances of being accepted.

A tabular resume is a necessary document for the application process.

When applying for a clinical internship, in addition to the formal requirements, you will also need to submit individual documents that highlight your motivation and suitability. Here you will find tips and examples on how to write a compelling cover letter, create a meaningful resume, and compile useful additional documents.

Structure and content of a cover letter

The cover letter, or letter of motivation, is the centerpiece of your clinical internship application. It gives you the opportunity to express your motivations and enthusiasm for your chosen field. Make sure your cover letter is no longer than one page and includes the following points:

• Personal details and current semester
• Desired period and field of study for the clinical internship
• Motivation for choosing the institution and field of study
• Outlook on the added value you would like to contribute

Designing your resume for the clinical internship

In addition to your letter of motivation, you should submit a tabular resume (also known as a CV). This provides an overview of your career to date and your qualifications. The following information should be included in a resume for a clinical internship application:

• Educational background with school-leaving qualifications and current study status
• Practical experience such as clinical electives, nursing internships, or part-time jobs
• Additional qualifications such as language skills, certificates, or experience abroad
• Volunteer work and hobbies

Other optional documents

Depending on the requirements of the institution and your individual strengths, you can include additional documents with your application. These are optional, but can round out your profile and emphasize your suitability. We recommend including the following documents:

• Work references from previous clinical internships or part-time jobs
• Certificates of additional qualifications relevant to medicine
• Letters of recommendation from lecturers or doctors

Use the sample documents as a guide to get an idea of the structure and content. However, be sure to customize your application to authentically convey your personality and motivation. This will give you the best chance of convincing those responsible and landing your dream clinical internship.

In addition to the actual application for a clinical internship, there are other points you should consider when planning. One important aspect is the internship remuneration, which can vary greatly from institution to institution.

Insurance coverage during the clinical internship is also a relevant issue. In most cases, you will be insured through the respective institution, but it is still advisable to clarify this in advance and, if necessary, take out your own liability insurance. A written clinical internship contract, which specifies the duration, remuneration, and other conditions, also provides clarity for both sides.

If you would like to complete a clinical internship abroad, some additional preparations are necessary. In addition to visa requirements and any necessary vaccinations, you should make sure you have adequate health insurance in the host country. The recognition of the foreign clinical internship by your university, for example as part of your medical studies, is also an important point that you should clarify in advance. With careful planning, nothing stands in the way of an exciting and educational stay abroad.

Overall, it is worth keeping an eye on issues such as remuneration, insurance, and contracts in addition to the application itself. Travel4med supports you throughout the entire application process. This ensures that you are optimally prepared for your clinical internship and can take full advantage of the valuable practical experience.