The CU School of Medicine Department of Anesthesiology offers a unique opportunity for fourth-year medical students from around the country to gain hands-on experience and explore their passion for anesthesiology through our Externship Diversity Scholarship Program. Designed for students with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, this program provides a platform for students to rotate as “Acting Interns” within one of the most advanced anesthesiology departments in the country. Recipients of the $3,500 scholarship complete a four-week clinical rotation, attending conferences and learning alongside our residents in high-impact environments like the University of Colorado Hospital and Children's Hospital Colorado.

This year, we're thrilled to introduce four exceptional medical students who are participating in our 2024 externship program. Their diverse backgrounds and shared commitment to the field of anesthesiology exemplify the goals of our program.

Jessmin Fernandez, a student at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix, was drawn to anesthesiology for its critical role in patient care and the precision required to ensure safety. She is eager to gain hands-on experience and learn from professionals at CUSOM.

Curtis Jay McGuire, from the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson, was inspired by meeting an African American anesthesiologist and is excited to expand his procedural skills while experiencing real-time medicine in trauma and surgical care.

Terry Smith-Roberts, a student at the Medical College of Wisconsin, is interested in anesthesiology's role in rural trauma cases, blending his PICU nursing background with his passion for physiology and patient care.

Adriana Rush, from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, is eager to explore anesthesiology’s real-time problem-solving, especially in the care of ICU patients and complex surgical cases.

The CU Department of Anesthesiology’s Externship Diversity Scholarship Program offers students like Jessmin, Curtis, Terry, and Adriana the opportunity to immerse themselves in the multifaceted field of anesthesiology. The program not only highlights the importance of diversity in medicine but also encourages future anesthesiologists to explore the wide range of opportunities available in this vital specialty.

For more information on how to apply, visit our website or contact Whitney Balusi at WHITNEY.BALUSI@CUANSCHUTZ.EDU.