Gap Intern, Plastic Surgery

APDerm•Newton, MA

12h•$23 - $35

About The Position

The Gap Intern provides direct and indirect patient care in a plastic surgery and dermatology healthcare setting under the general supervision of a clinician and reports directly to the Practice Manager. The role is designed for interns who plan to work for APDerm for 1–3 years before transitioning to medical school or a physician assistant program. Interns collaborate with clinicians and ambulatory support staff to deliver quality patient care and may need to commute to and provide coverage at multiple practice locations. The position includes clinical support such as documenting visits in the electronic medical record, preparing patients and procedure rooms, assisting with procedures, educating patients, maintaining supplies and equipment, and supporting safety and compliance processes. Interns may also support clinical trials by explaining study guidelines, assessing eligibility, distributing products and paperwork, conducting follow-ups, documenting progress, and compiling results. The role offers exposure to general, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology, mentorship from practicing dermatologists, medical school interview training, and collaboration with other Gap Interns. Compensation is listed at $23.00–$34.50 per hour based on full-time employment. APDerm offers paid time off, sick time, paid holidays, health and dental coverage, and other voluntary benefits effective on the date of hire.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Strong interpersonal and customer service skills for professional communication with patients, family members, clinicians, and colleagues.
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills to ensure patient needs are met.
Excellent computer skills for entering and retrieving clinical information.
Critical thinking and good judgment in performing tasks.
Organizational skills and ability to multitask.
Ability to prioritize daily assignments to support smooth workflow.
Willingness and ability to travel or commute to multiple practice locations for clinical coverage.
Ability to follow HIPAA, OSHA, privacy, safety, and patient confidentiality requirements.

Responsibilities

Document office visits for clinicians in the computer-based medical record.
Provide cross-coverage when needed, including travel to other brand or regional practice locations and coverage during clinician vacations, sick calls, or PTO.
Ensure necessary information, materials, equipment, and supplies are available before patient visits and procedures; monitor inventory and submit requests while supporting cost containment.
Receive and communicate information using computers, the intranet, email, fax, and patient medical records while following HIPAA requirements.
Obtain and electronically record patient histories and update problem lists, allergies, pharmacies, medications, and skin cancer histories as indicated.
Escort patients, record histories and chief complaints, prepare patients and rooms for appointments and procedures, and perform pre-visit tasks such as suture or dressing removal under clinician direction.
Instruct patients on surgical and cosmetic aftercare, review procedure and testing instructions, confirm patient understanding, and document it in the patient chart.
Assist with OSHA daily and monthly checks, maintain the OSHA log, complete suture inventory, and check rooms for expired inventory.
Learn and perform ancillary services as needed, including phototherapy, XTRAC, and PDT; assist with patient education about biologic injection protocols.
Sterilize and package instruments and assist clinicians with cosmetic procedure preparation and other procedures or examinations.
Observe and report abnormal symptoms or behavior to the appropriate clinician; organize and prioritize work to support clinician schedules and patient needs.
Follow laser safety protocols and standard precautions during room preparation and procedures.
Collect and label specimens according to practice protocols and maintain pathology logbooks to ensure reports are documented.
Perform suture removal and other procedures as directed by clinicians; prepare and mix medications as specified, and administer subcutaneous or intramuscular medications when competency has been demonstrated and supervisory agreement is in place.
Seek clinician guidance regarding treatment adjustments or complications and use team leaders or managers as resources.
Maintain patient confidentiality and rights, follow applicable policies and standards, support a safe workplace, and report suspected conduct that does not meet APDerm standards.
Complete required training by deadlines, including Code of Conduct, Privacy & Data Security, and OSHA training.
Maintain an ONETeam mindset grounded in positivity, productivity, and professionalism.
Lead clinical trials involving topical products and creams; explain study guidelines, help assess inclusion and exclusion criteria, provide products and paperwork, follow up with participants, document progress, schedule follow-up visits, take before-and-after photographs, and compile results in presentations or graphical formats.