Inova Trauma Center - Fairfax is proud to offer an inside look at trauma care through our Trauma Acute Care Surgery Externship. 

This program is designed for premedical students who are considering a career in surgery. It requires a full-time, two-week commitment, providing students with valuable insight and hands-on experience within the continuum of trauma care. 

Now available: Application for the 2025 program

2025 program dates 

Monday, June 2 – Friday, June 13, 2025
Application deadline: January 31, 2025


Benefits of Inova's Trauma Acute Care Surgery Externship? 

Our externship program highlights the coordinated and systematic approach of a Level I Trauma Center in delivering optimal trauma care to the community. This is an uncompensated opportunity for pre-med college students to engage in an observational educational experience. The goal is to provide selected externs with an in-depth view of the personal and professional rewards of a career in trauma care. 

Externs will have the opportunity to shadow the multidisciplinary trauma team, including trauma surgeons, trauma nurses, social workers, physical therapists, and other allied healthcare providers. Throughout the program, externs will interact directly with trauma acute care surgeons and will participate in daily rounds, patient assessments, emergency resuscitations, and surgical procedures. 

Trauma care is a critical part of a community's emergency response system. High-quality trauma care depends on dedicated professionals from various healthcare fields, along with state-of-the-art technology and equipment. The Inova Trauma Center, the only Level 1 Trauma Center in Northern Virginia, is committed to providing world-class care. It is designated by the Commonwealth of Virginia and verified by the American College of Surgeons.